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. 

I Will Show You

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV)

Next week, we had planned to write a series of blog posts entitled, "Full Return" in celebration of our upcoming anniversary at Key Tov Blog and to kick off our free drawing.

We had an amazing surprise for our readers. Full Return was to document our trip wherein we would fly from Hawaii to Minnesota, rent an rv, go exploring, then fly back to Hawaii, Full Return. Taking you, our faithful readers, along with us every step of the way. Our heart's desire is to always tell about God's wonderful goodness and this is the perfect opportunity to show the phenomenal wonders of God's beautiful creation.

In light of recent events in our personal lives, we prayed and asked God what He would have us do. We considered canceling the series due to the path set before us but canceling just didn't reconcile with our hearts.

We believe God wants us to press on with the series but add this week's travel as well.

So instead of Full Return starting next week, God is supernaturally enabling us to begin the series today. As a result, your likes/shares/posts/comments results in your name being entered into our free drawing starting today up to May 31st, 2013.

Please note: To insure your name is entered into our free drawing, please insure we acknowledge your likes/shares/posts/comments with a thank you via social media. If we do not thank you, please bring it to our attention so we can get all your entries in the drawing.

Since I am in the air and on the road, the team at Totally Totes has so graciously agreed to keep a record of the names for our free drawing. If you do not get a thank you from me acknowledging your entry, please "like" Totally Totes at www.facebook.com/totallytotesmissouri and confirm your name is entered.

Instead of flying from Hawaii to Minnesota, our Full Return series will include flying from Hawaii to my hometown in Oklahoma, spending enough time with family and friends to get my accent back, then driving to Minnesota to walk out Full Return to completion.

It has been spoken over us, we receive and we believe God will be showing us many great and mighty things during this trip, of which we will be sharing with you.

One of the most beautiful things we've witnessed thus far is the outpouring of love encouragement, support, and most importantly, prayers from you, our family, and our friends. At times like this, encouragement, support, and prayers are no small thing. Please know we truly appreciate every one of you. When one of you tell us you are praying for us, we stand confident in knowing we are covered in prayer. When one of you tell us to contact you if we need anything, we know it isn't just something nice to say but a promise that we stand on. There is nothing better than true friends who step up in a time of need without us having to ask.

We laid down in peace last night as we slept and we are walking in His perfect peace that passes all understanding. The only way that is made possible is by and through your prayers and God's unfailing mercy, grace, and love. Thank you for all your calls, emails, texts, prayers, and your outpouring of love.

E Como Mai as we take this journey together expectedly awaiting His great and mighty things!




Also please note, we are aware most of our readers already have, "Breaking the Cycle of Offense" by Dr. Larry Ollison, in their library. If you win the drawing and already have this book, you may choose any book by Dr. Larry Ollison for the same price. You may check out all Dr. Ollison's books at www.faithman.org.

Just a reminder, Totally Totes has teamed up with Key Tov Blog during our anniversary celebration and the winner will also receive one of their great totes. You may check out their selection at www.facebook.com/totallytotesmissouri