Before I start this blog I should say it has been in the work for some time now. I usually just share family things or fun to read subjects, however some things have been weighing on my heart a lot here lately. I have always believed in God, thought I had faith and went to church. As with most things in our life we grow and learn more the older we get. I feel that way about my faith. I have never hidden my faith in Jesus. There are times I am sure that God probably wishes I wasn't so vocal about it. I haven't always lived up to what I feel shows how a true follower of Christ should be. Living in the so called "bible belt" I think we see that alot. Please know that I am not trying to offend anyone, just speaking from my own experiences and beliefs, hoping to open eyes about my faith.
Lately there has been alot on the media, mainly facebook about Christian values and standards and everyone boycotting or standing by Chick-fil-a because of there values. While I am fairly nonconfortational and hate getting in the middle of debates, mainly religion (one of my biggest fears is to give others the wrong impression of who Christ is) I feel I need to speak up. I am a huge believer in Christ and believe the Bible to be true. My dad once told me if someone says something about God and can't show you where they got in from in the Bible then don't listen. With that being said I will never treat someone different for not agreeing with me. Faith is very personal and I have been through alot getting to where I am with my relationship with God and I have so much farther to go. I do my best to follow the teachings of Jesus and He truly loved everyone, He also called us to be more like Him. All I want to say to those wanting to boycott Chick-fil-a is why do you want everyone to agree with you and to accept everyone yet you don't want to accept me, my family, and my friends for who we are. It is a double standard. It hurts that I do my best not to pass judgement on others, to live my faith and show love to EVERYONE regardless if I agree with the way they live but I am not accepted because of my faith. It is sad. We want everyone to be tolerant, but you can't pick who you want to be tolerant of. What I mean is true tolerence will only come when we are all accepted. I stand by my faith and it's teachings, I will never judge someone who doesn't. Of course in my life I would love to have everyone have a true relationship with Jesus Christ but faith is personal. Trust me it's hard to stand out there when the world doesn't see it your way.
For those of my friends who don't like religion or feel I am being close minded or what ever, please hold off judgement until you know me. Don't judge all Christians by a few. Just like you ask me to accept everyone please include me in that as well. I have no hatred in my heart, just different standards and beliefs. Remember that everyone who says they are a Christian might not have a true relationship with Jesus, I know, I have been one. And to all my Christian friends remember who you are representing when you speak, act and do anything. Sorry to be so deep on this one. I just needed to vent I guess.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A GLIPSE OF WHAT COULD BE
Well our family vacation is over and we are back home. I had a lot of time to reflect while we drove our 13 hour trip home. We had a blast. I will post pictures soon, that is as soon as I can locate my cord to the camera. If I had to say what I liked the most it would be hard to say. Of course I loved the city, and I don't have enough time to explain how much I loved Central Park, but I think what I enjoyed the most is the area we stayed. We didn't stay in Manhattan, we stayed in Woodside which was somewhat residential. I loved the small family shops, deli and coffee shops. Just a few stops over was Sunnyside where we made daily stops for Sweet tea from McDonald's and walked the nearby shops. I loved the markets where we bought fresh fruit and could buy all kinds of fresh food and breads. It was wonderful. Our daily diet consisted of pizza and my personal favorite chicken and rice from a cart located under the subway stop.
I enjoyed not driving, but wow we sure did walk alot. I think at one point we walked a mile from the Central park zoo to the Museum. Of course we took time to stop and sit on the giant rocks in the park. Matthew really enjoyed it. He and Patrick played some football while Cheredith and I laid in the grass. We had so much fun. Central Park Zoo was amazing. I loved how all the animals there where so interactive with the people. It amazed me. The only disappointment there was that it was to hot for the polar bear. I really wanted to see it.
I loved walking the city. It was amazing to see so many sights. The Chelsea market was wonderful and I could have spend all day there. It was filled with so many different things from food, clothes, and art. Also Union Square was amazing. Fresh fruits, veggies and cheese. Also it was located by a Whole Food Market, which I loved and would shop there ALL the time if I lived there. Great quality food and good prices. We also took the Staten Island Ferry witch was a great way to see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of NYC. We spent some time in Brooklyn and it was beautiful. I was humbled to walk by the new Freedom Tower and walk by the sights that where changed forever on September 11th. I was so humbled. The emotion there and at the Pentagon are still so raw and open. Every night you could see the Freedom Tower glowing in the night skyline from our hotel room. It was a beautiful reminder of how strong the City is and how strong of a country we are.
I think of all the things that I experienced seeing my two kids who, seem to struggle some days with everyday life be, well, kids. I'm not sure really how else to explain it. Anyone that spends much time with us has seen the ridged schedule we keep. No matter where we are Matthews need for order, structure and rules dictates our life's. I see it more on some days then others but his autism stands out alot. I saw not Matthew my son with High Functioning Autism, but I saw Matthew my carefree son. It still brings tears to my eyes to have been blessed with a few days with such a carefree spirit. Full of adventure and jokes. Even his language was different. I miss that side of him. I am afraid that side of my son stayed in the city. I thank God for giving me a chance to visit with him. Who knows maybe we can get him back here. He played ninja while waiting on the subway, we was independent and carefree. A leader and taking in all the knowledge that the city could give.
Most conversations that Cheredith and I had consisted of how she wants to move there and attend NYU. I know that she loves to dance, cheer and have fun with friends but I have never seen her light up like she does when she talks about her future. She has already contacted Autism Speaks in NYC to see what kind of education she needs to go into the field to help those who have Autism. She loved what she saw of NYU's campus and I can't blame her. It was great to see her smile so much.
Of course Patrick was happy, he was home. He fit in with all the locals, even having tourist asking him where to go and what subway to take. After countless stores and who knows how many miles walking we finally found his favorite drink, Dr. Browns black cherry soda on our last night there. I loved seeing him so at peace. Overall this was a great trip that has blessed me and my family with so much. I came back with glimpses of who they are and I much better understanding of God and his love. I was constantly thinking of how he has brought my family through so much and even when you don't know you need it He gives just what you needed the most, HOPE.
I enjoyed not driving, but wow we sure did walk alot. I think at one point we walked a mile from the Central park zoo to the Museum. Of course we took time to stop and sit on the giant rocks in the park. Matthew really enjoyed it. He and Patrick played some football while Cheredith and I laid in the grass. We had so much fun. Central Park Zoo was amazing. I loved how all the animals there where so interactive with the people. It amazed me. The only disappointment there was that it was to hot for the polar bear. I really wanted to see it.
I loved walking the city. It was amazing to see so many sights. The Chelsea market was wonderful and I could have spend all day there. It was filled with so many different things from food, clothes, and art. Also Union Square was amazing. Fresh fruits, veggies and cheese. Also it was located by a Whole Food Market, which I loved and would shop there ALL the time if I lived there. Great quality food and good prices. We also took the Staten Island Ferry witch was a great way to see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of NYC. We spent some time in Brooklyn and it was beautiful. I was humbled to walk by the new Freedom Tower and walk by the sights that where changed forever on September 11th. I was so humbled. The emotion there and at the Pentagon are still so raw and open. Every night you could see the Freedom Tower glowing in the night skyline from our hotel room. It was a beautiful reminder of how strong the City is and how strong of a country we are.
I think of all the things that I experienced seeing my two kids who, seem to struggle some days with everyday life be, well, kids. I'm not sure really how else to explain it. Anyone that spends much time with us has seen the ridged schedule we keep. No matter where we are Matthews need for order, structure and rules dictates our life's. I see it more on some days then others but his autism stands out alot. I saw not Matthew my son with High Functioning Autism, but I saw Matthew my carefree son. It still brings tears to my eyes to have been blessed with a few days with such a carefree spirit. Full of adventure and jokes. Even his language was different. I miss that side of him. I am afraid that side of my son stayed in the city. I thank God for giving me a chance to visit with him. Who knows maybe we can get him back here. He played ninja while waiting on the subway, we was independent and carefree. A leader and taking in all the knowledge that the city could give.
Most conversations that Cheredith and I had consisted of how she wants to move there and attend NYU. I know that she loves to dance, cheer and have fun with friends but I have never seen her light up like she does when she talks about her future. She has already contacted Autism Speaks in NYC to see what kind of education she needs to go into the field to help those who have Autism. She loved what she saw of NYU's campus and I can't blame her. It was great to see her smile so much.
Of course Patrick was happy, he was home. He fit in with all the locals, even having tourist asking him where to go and what subway to take. After countless stores and who knows how many miles walking we finally found his favorite drink, Dr. Browns black cherry soda on our last night there. I loved seeing him so at peace. Overall this was a great trip that has blessed me and my family with so much. I came back with glimpses of who they are and I much better understanding of God and his love. I was constantly thinking of how he has brought my family through so much and even when you don't know you need it He gives just what you needed the most, HOPE.
Friday, July 6, 2012
FAMILY ADVENTURES
Schools out, and vacation is upon us. Any one who knows our family knows that adventures follow us. I always joke that we haven't been arrested or thrown out of a place yet. Well 3 days and 9 states later we are still holding on. We left out Tuesday for our trip to the Big Apple. We stopped in Virginia to spent the night. Our room was nice and the kids enjoyed the pool. It was early to bed that night. We woke up real early, ate breakfast and hit the road. First stop was Washington D.C. We stopped to visit the September 11th memorial at the Pentagon. I was truly humbled by what I saw. It is so beautiful and the design is so amazing. So much went in to it, I recommend it to any one visiting the DC area. The plan was to see all the wonder sights around the area but our GPS had other plans. After circling all the sites several times we decided as a family to hit the road and head to Baltimore, MD. It was beautiful and HOT. The kids enjoyed cupcakes at Charm City cupcakes and they where wonderful. After buying popcorn for the road we headed to our stop for the night, Philly.
In Philly we walked everywhere and it seemed like everything there closed really early. We did however get to see the actual Liberty Bell. This was yet another humbling experience. So many people where there, many from other countries and didn't speak English. With so many differences we had all come together for the same common purpose. To see a part of American history that showed a symbol of our freedom. By then we were so hungry. We happened to stumble upon a literal hole in the wall. It was so good though. With full stomachs we headed in for the night. After more swim time it was bed time.
Today we headed in to NYC. The kids are having a blast and love it here. Cheredith is ready to move and now wants to study medicine at NYU. I'll post pics soon and update more on our NYC adventures.
In Philly we walked everywhere and it seemed like everything there closed really early. We did however get to see the actual Liberty Bell. This was yet another humbling experience. So many people where there, many from other countries and didn't speak English. With so many differences we had all come together for the same common purpose. To see a part of American history that showed a symbol of our freedom. By then we were so hungry. We happened to stumble upon a literal hole in the wall. It was so good though. With full stomachs we headed in for the night. After more swim time it was bed time.
Today we headed in to NYC. The kids are having a blast and love it here. Cheredith is ready to move and now wants to study medicine at NYU. I'll post pics soon and update more on our NYC adventures.
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