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. 

Every. Single. Little. Detail.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23, NLT)

Many years ago, I'd say close to sixteen years ago, Mike bought me a pair of diamond studded earrings. Gracie's ears are pierced and the only earrings that don't break her out are earrings set in gold, so she has been wearing the earrings Mike bought me.

About a month ago, she came and told me she had lost the back of one of the earrings. Thankfully, she didn't lose the earring, just the back. I told her it wasn't a problem because we could just buy another back. I expected to be able to replace the back for approximately thirty dollars or so.

I went to three or four jewelry stores and not one store was able to fit the earring. One solution was to have the posts completely redone.  I was really bummed because I really like these earrings, they are very special to me but I didn't want to go to the expense of having them completely redone which would be over a hundred dollars. I put the earrings away until I could decide whether or not to have the work done..

Today, my family experienced the sudden, unexpected, tragic death of a very dear loved one. Of which I won't go into detail in order to protect our privacy. 

Once I learned what had happened, I started packing to go be with my family. As I was standing at my washer, putting clothes in the dryer…I was overwhelmed with grief. I stood there and cried and cried asking God how I was going to walk through this and help my family walk through this. Feeling so weak, I half prayed and half wailed out to Him in overwhelming grief, I said, "I know you are ever present with me in times of trouble when something big like this happens so I draw on Your strength right now in the name of Jesus." 

I wiped my eyes, about to finish loading the dryer, and on the very tip of the inside of the dyer…was the back to my earring. God very clearly spoke to my heart and said, "I am not only in the big things, I am in your every…single...little...detail."

The only way I can explain how I found the back of my earring on the lip of my dryer, after weeks and weeks of doing all the laundry, on the morning of such tragic news, at the moment I was about to fall over in disbelief and grief…is, He truly is in every single little detail of my life.  

Thank You Father, Thank You...for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for always being so faithful to be ever present in time of need. You are my Rock and my fortress. I safely hide in You. Thank You for your mercy and grace in my time of need. Thank You for ordering my every step and thank You for showing me, You truly are in every single little detail of my life. I love You Lord.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 37:23

Lord I come, I confess

Bowing here I find my rest

Without You I fall apart

You're the one that guides my heart

Chorus:

Lord, I need You, oh I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Verse 2:

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Yes where You are Lord I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge:

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You

Jesus You're my hope and stay

Chris Tomlin

Struggling to Understand

From time to time, I ask friends and family to write a blog post. Enjoy today's post from my oldest daughter, Cortni Mechaney. As an intercessor, she pours out her heart for hurting people like the people in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. Please join us in praying for these people, our nation, and our nation's leaders. Mahalo


When I heard about what happened in Boston I struggled to understand. Why? Why do people want to hurt other people? This is something I don't understand and probably never will.

Yesterday, I read about the runners going to give blood. I also read about how the medical responders did such an amazing job. I was reminded to be thankful. Thankful to live in America, thankful for selfless people.

This morning as I read more about the bombings and learned we do not know who did it and nothing is being done but an investigation I became angry. This is America the greatest nation, our people have been attacked, so somebody please do something.

I got in my car to drive to work still frustrated but continuously praying. On the radio, they mentioned the deaths and the injuries. As I fought back the tears, I became overwhelmed with grief. God spoke to me and said, "I am hurting too." I had to think about that for a second. These people are not my friends, they are not my family, they are mere strangers that my heart breaks for. These people are God's friends, they are Gods family.

How much more does He love us than any earthly person?

God's simple statement of "I am hurting too" lets me know we are not alone, not now, and not ever. I pray for those affected by this tragedy, and my faith rises up because I am a child of the One True King.

Cortni Mechaney



John 11:35
Deuteronomy 31:6
Romans 12:15
Galatians 3:26
Ephesians 4:30
Revelation 19:16
Matthew 7:11
John 10:10