Core values

Core values
My husband's company, Claris networks has core values.   These aren't just words that look nice on paper or impressive on a plaque. The core values reflect how they live and breathe on a daily basis.  It is an amazing place to work, upholding not only ethical work conduct but truly 'networking' with the community. 
Having such a great workplace has reinforced our own family values.  We have some simple motives in our home, love God and love others. There are so many other values that take root from these simple rules - respect, patience, kindness, honor, generosity just to name a few. 
Galatians  22-25,  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

We teach these values and attempt to try our best to model them before our children. However,  it is when tested that these values hold true and really shine.  On a recent business trip with my husband, that was just the case. 

I had a long relaxing day by the beach while my husband sat in meetings all day.  At the end of the day, we both looked forward to reconnecting over dinner. On this particular evening, there was an arranged dinner with the said organization.  I had gotten ready and anxiously awaited my husband's arrival.  We briefly caught up on the day's events and went on our way to dinner.  We were delighted to find out that the dinner was held in the penthouse of the hotel. The view was incredible. We walked into the room, and soon were caught in conversation.  I was abruptly interrupted and informed that spouses were NOT invited to this event. This information was a shocking surprise considering that detail was not communicated in the agenda for the evening and all past events would indicate otherwise. 
It was my immediate thought that this is a business trip, I would just enjoy dining alone and meet up with my husband after the event. 
But it was at this time, I was shown a great deal of respect. My husband stated his disappointment in the poor communication of the details for the evening. After which, he took my arm and said, " where would you like to eat dinner dear?"   
It was at this time that he stood firm in placing value on respect and  family first! Something to not take lightly. 
While this may seem like a little thing and somewhat insignificant, it is in these small moments that the heart is truly revealed.  It is at this time when protecting the fabric of your marriage and family is so important. 
1 Corinthians  16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
Do your actions match your value system?  When put to the test, is your initial response that which reflects honor, respect, and love?

The Greek Salad

The Greek salad
I recall going to the beach with my parents as a tween and throughout
the teen years. We had our favorite beach spots including our
frequented activities and restaurants. On the top of my fav list was a
Greek restaurant. I haven't been back to this particular beach in too
many years to count, if I did- it would surely disclose my nearing 40
status.
However, this year I have given into a pleading request from my
parents to bring the kids to their Florida retreat home at this very
beach! I am excited that not only am I able to avoid a 12 hour drive,
but instead lengthening an 'already-in-progress' family vacation! I am
also looking forward to seeing my parents' place for the very first
time. (they didn't have this place way back in the days)! The kids
can't wait to spend time with their grandparents.
But I have to be very honest here.... One of the things I look forward
to most is going to Manny's and getting that Greek salad that I
remember all too well. I remember just how the lettuce is cut and how
it was smothered just so with feta cheese. I have had many Greek
salads since then (my husband can account far too well the last 10+
years) but none of them have quite measured up to this particular one.
So I ask myself, is this a memory that has gotten better in mind over
all these years OR is the salad REALLY that good? Either way, I can't
wait to find out!

As we pulled up to the infamous Manny's parking lot, it looked much the same as I remembered.  The sign, the parking lot, the building, even the red and white checkered tablecloths on the table.  As we sat down to order, I was sinking into the comforts of familiarity.  I didn't need to look at the menu, it was already decided what I would order...a LARGE Greek salad.  Little did I know my dad thought this order was for the table to split.  As he loaded up my plate, I couldn't help from wondering if it would live up to expectations.
I took the much anticipated first bite and well.....It was good!  It  was so good, I enticed my parents to bring me back for a second round at the end of the trip.  Some memories are exaggerated in our minds, some just really were and are THAT good, this is one of them!

Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go, arrival day

Back ground Info: Our church supports many diverse missionaries across the globe. One of our local missionaries is a camp in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee called Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go. This camp exists to share the love of Jesus Christ. A group from our church goes up to this camp each year to run the day camp and share the gospel with these precious children. Last year over 100 campers attended and we are praying that our number increases even more this year. 

Family Mission Trip Day 1~
The day started with the hustle and bustle of trying to get everything together, pack the car, and think of any last minute details.  I must have checked the car a dozen times and I am still wondering if I have everything?!
Then we are off...
For some of us, the familiarity of camp comes to mind, the comfort of knowing where to go and what to expect.  Then the barrage of questions begin from the backseat, 'will we have the same cabin?' 'can we swim?' 'can I do the zip line this year?'
For other members of our team, there is a bit of uncertainty, the unknown and anxiety of what to expect.

I pray the Lord will quiet our hearts and minds to achieve His purpose, to unite us together for His glory.  I pray for each and every child attending camp to have open eyes to see, open ears to hear, and receptive hearts to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.  ~Philippians 2:13 

 We have been blessed with a day filled with excitement for what the Lord has done for this camp, providing an impressive Boy's cabin just this year. 

Our team came together for our first song and skit practice on stage

 and even enjoyed some relaxing time in the pool before calling it a day!

I cant wait to see what tomorrow holds!

Great family beach trip