Our Sensational Summer

During Chase's stay at home last summer, we decided to take a trip down to the Big Easy or New Orleans for those of you who aren't from the south. I took the day off of work and we headed down on a Friday to walk the French Quarter. There are always so many sights to behold while in the wonderful city of New Orleans.

First would be some of the beautiful architecture. I marvel every trip I take to New Orleans at the old buildings, the balconies, and scroll work of the iron railings.

and then there is of course, the majestic and mighty Mississippi River . . . rolling, rolling, rolling down the river!

To stroll down the streets of New Orleans and the French Quarter is a site to revel in. Remember the book "Oh the Places You'll Go"? We should write "Oh the Sites You'll See"!

From a good ole southern jazz band.

To . . . yes, your eyes are not deceiving you . . . Santa Claus in the middle of the French Quarter! This man says he vacations in South Louisiana during the off season. He even showed us his I.D. stating his name as Kris Kringle!

And then there is the beautiful Jackson Square

and the lines and lines of horse-drawn carriages.

This baby was tap dancing for change.

Of the unfortunate things you will see in New Orleans are the voo doo stores.

I love the music - I was listening to some jazz CDs!

Mallory and I playing around with the feather boas!

We stopped for lunch at Pierre Maspero's . . . cest' bon!

The French Quarter is full of art and shopping.

But no day in the French Quarter would be complete without a stop at Cafe' Du Mond for coffee and beignets!!

Looking forward to our next trip to the Quarter. Hopefully when Chase comes home this summer! I'd like to visit the World War II Museum next trip.

Until next time . . .

Life is too short

Where do we get our worth? Are we worthy?

Today I have been contemplating these questions. The best place to go when contemplating any kind of question is to God's word:

Luke 12:7 (NIV) says:
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

Colossians 1:10 (NIV)
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

2 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)
All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

2 Thessalonians 1:11
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

1 Timothy 3:11
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

1 Peter 1:7
These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 3:4
Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

The bottom line is that we could never be worthy of what Jesus did for us at the cross. Thank God for his grace and His mercy. We can pray, study His word, and live our lives for Him, but as this next verse says, there is only one who is truly worthy!

Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

Lord, Help me to be more like you everyday!!

AMEN!