Suck it Up, and Dance

And David danced before the LORD with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14, NLT)

I started my morning out with a run. As I walked out the door of the hotel and the arctic blast (55 degrees…hey, to an island girl, that's extreme temps) hit my face I heard my good friend's voice (who is a runner) ringing in my head, "When it gets cold, I just suck it up and run." I thought, "I don't know if I can suck it up in 55 degree temps." But I did, knowing she and my other friend, Julz (who makes fun of me and my cold weather intolerance) would be so well pleased with me. After my face and hands went numb, I did really well. Alysia forgot to tell me to wear mittens. I survived but who knew that big vein sticks out on my neck with I run?

I ran near a beautiful corn field that went on seemingly forever. Iowa has many large fields as far as the eye can see. This field had just been plowed. I'm not sure when the field will be planted but I know it yield the best harvest once the soil is properly prepared. Much in the same way, we yield the best harvest from God's Word as we continue to prepare our heart. (Romans 12:2, Luke 8:8)

As many of you know, a week ago today, our family suffered the tragic loss of a very amazing, beloved family member. As sadness and grief attempted to overcome me, I was reminded of a time when Dr. Terry Mize had testified to a time when he was walking through a similar experience. He told us, upon learning of his situation, he danced before the Lord. 

Situations are different. Some situations are way more intense than others. Some situations call for one dance…while other situations call for many dances over a period of time. Always take time to dance.

It was late last night by the time we got into Iowa so we didn't see much of Iowa until today. Iowa is full of fields, barns, and farm houses. The people of Iowa are very neighborly and friendly, much the same as Oklahoma with their yes ma'am, no ma'am, and thank you ma'am. 

This area of Iowa is a very clean and well kept area. The Interstate (I35) is well maintained as are the rest stops and truck stops.

Next state: Minnesota

Iowa Highlights

Mike: The plowed fields and woodlands

Genice: Iowa's friendly people

Mikea: Same as Gracie

Gracie: The hotel that we stayed in (Courtyard Marriott at Ankeny)

Mike and I have never been to Minnesota before so this is where our trip gets even more exciting to us. Minnesota is a straight shot down I-35 from Oklahoma so mostly what we've seen is interstate. This area of Minnesota is very similar to Iowa. Many fields, farm houses, rolling hills, and marshes. The people here are extremely nice and helpful as well.

Owatonna Regional Airport

We've had so much favor and blessings on this trip. We've made good time, had a smooth trip, great facilities, and dealt with really great people. Last night, when we grew tired, we found a great hotel. Today, Mike mentioned we should try and visit the Mall of America on Saturday. Once we made it to our hotel, we found out at the Mall of America is only about a mile away. The car rental return office is only two miles away. And I am currently "working" (editing photos and blogging) at one of the most beautiful views of the Minnesota city sky line. (Psalm 84:11) 

Tomorrow we explore more of Minnesota so until then, it's bed time.

Next state: Iowa…not a type o. Please see explanation below.

Minnesota Highlights

Mike: The country is definitely cool here, no pun intended. The rolling hills are beautiful. I am definitely coming here to do some hunting. It is a good mix of farms and woods. I like all the ducks and geese in marshes and lakes.

Genice: Seeing more of our great nation and being in a state I've never visited before.

Mikea: Spending the night in the King's suite and swimming at the pool at the Embassy Suites

Gracie: Same as Sissy

Next state: South Dakota

LORD, thank You for teaching me to dance before You with a grateful heart. There is liberty, peace, and love in Your presence. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who came so that we may have life in excessive abundance. When dark clouds attempt to loom, please remind me to dance with all my might as I submit my spirit to Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for being our Sun and our Shield! Thank You for bestowing favor and honor on us and withholding no good thing. You truly, truly are good and Your unfailing love truly endures forever and ever. LORD…I really love You! 

We booked this trip last year. When we booked it, we booked flights from Hawaii to Minnesota, then we were to drive to Iowa and pick up the RV. Minneapolis is the closest major airport to Great Alaskan Holidays (where we rented the RV). 

Due to family circumstances, we flew to Oklahoma, spent time with family and friends, then drove to Minnesota where we had to return our rental vehicle. The airport in Minnesota is the nearest major car rental return to Great Alaskan Holidays. Tomorrow we will explore Minneapolis, take a shuttle from Minneapolis to Forrest City Iowa and pick up our RV. 

The Traylor Switch

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:38, NLT)

This is another post written straight from my heart totally bypassing my head and the advice of some who say, "Keep it clean". 

When I started this blog, I made a commitment to be transparent (even though deep down and even at the surface, that still makes me cringe...it always has) and create a source for others to go to for true help and true encouragement. I've been attacked for that and accused of not bringing glory to God. 

I still hold to that which is my original goal for this blog independent of a few opinions in that I am real, life is real, and at times, we all need real help. Sometimes, we need our friends to jump down in the ditch, take our hand, and help us walk out as opposed to offering up a smile, a quick pat on the head and a, "I will pray for you." Sometimes, we need a friend to say, "What can I do to help?" And then follow up and actually do something. And then keep checking in until victory is accomplished...whether that takes a minute or months. It is my heart's desire to be such a friend and to love at all times. 

Let's just say the first part of this week has been in the ditch. Thats ok, I'm determined it is out of the ditch as of now. 

I will explain. Monday was full of little foxes. One of which, Macy's called security on me.  It's not as exciting as it sounds. If you really want to know, I added the incident at the very bottom of this post so those who wanted to skip it can due to time restraints. 

Tuesday night, we were cleaning up from dinner when my youngest ran in crying and buried her face in my shoulder. A man in the neighborhood told her and her three friends they can not play near his home...which is quite impossible because it is next door to our home. And all the neighborhood kids congregate at our house. And he added, "Do NOT tell your parents about this!"

Suffice it to say, my "Traylor switch" flipped.

Suffice it to say, there was a showdown at his doorstep (I grew up on the Texas state line) and now he totally understands he is to never approach my children again under any circumstances. 

I walked away (as a few of my senses began to return to me) and thought, yep...I've got great opportunity to repent now. But praise God I was reminded that nothing can separate me from the love of my almighty Father, not even me.

I told you all of that to tell you this. Even when we handle matters through mom filtered glasses, He still loves us because it is who He is. 

I'm not at all suggesting you handle matters by having a showdown. In hindsight, it would've been wiser for me to stay home and have Mike handle the situation. He is much better at these things than I am. And I have to say I am very well pleased at how he handled the incident in those rare and very brief moments where he was able to get a word in edgewise during those milliseconds when I inhaled. 

But in all honesty, I cannot say I regret defending my girls. I do not regret standing up for what is right. A man (or anyone else for that matter) has absolutely no right to tell children not to tell their parents anything. Some may view that as indignant. 

If so, please pray for me. I will be here, still wearing my mom filtered glasses, still walking life out. 

SECURITY!

About a month ago I went shopping on Oahu and bought a dress. I live on the Big Island. Sunday, I was going to wear my new dress; however, discovered the ink security tag had not been removed. Monday I took the dress to our local Macy's (praying for favor beforehand) and told them what happened. The cashier asked for the receipt. Now...why didn't I think of that? Please refer back to the Monday full of little foxes comment. She called security and asked them to check the cameras to insure I walked in the door with the dress. She asked me my exact route. I was thinking, now wouldn't this be a less than perfect ending to a less than perfect day? West Hawaii News headlines complete with "headshot", local business owner arrested at Macy's for stealing a $40 dress! I'm totally kidding, kinda. 

The security officer walked up, smiled at me, looked at the cashier, rolled his eyes and said, "Just take the tag off the dress." Thanked me and left. FAVOR!