A wonderful weekend away!

The weekend before last, Dave and I enjoyed a weekend full of blessings, as we took a weekend cruise. We liked the idea of an all-inclusive type vacation, because it takes the worries of "where are we going to eat" and "where are we going to visit" away, and frees you to just enjoy your vacation. Well, we had such a wonderful time. We did not lack in activities to do, and it was just the right balance between being active and relaxing. We are not big "just sit by the pool" people, we like to be active and try new things.

Well, our favorite activity by far on the ship was the rock climbing wall. So much so, that when we got home, we began searching the internet to find a place nearby that we could do it again. We visited the wall several times, and participated in different activities on it, such as free-climbing (up), and bouldering (around), as well as the speed climb competition (just for fun, not to win)! This ship also had ping-pong, basketball, a walking track, and many other forms of activity. We really enjoyed being out on the deck, walking around the perimeter of the ship and enjoying the immense beauty of the vast ocean. It's one of those things in life which I cannot completely fathom in my limited wisdom. It just fascinates me-it just seems to go on forever and ever. We really enjoyed grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting on chairs closest to the end of the ship and looking out.

We were impressed with the quality of the stateroom, food, amenities, shows, and service on board. Everything was perfect. Down to the details-even the towel animals that were left on our bed in the evening were perfect! We really enjoyed getting dressed up for the dinners. I felt like a princess most of the time, and Dave continually doted upon me. He is such a gentleman, and very chivalrous. He commented that he would like it if I would get dressed up more often to which I replied "and go....where??!! The living room??!!" I guess we'll have to work on that one.

It was just so nice to spend time talking without interruption or responsibilities, and just share time alone, enjoying each other. Dave and I are so compatible, and this weekend was so stress-free, because we just flowed from one thing to the next without argument over what we would do next.

Being Christians, we did feel at times like fish swimming upstream against a school going downstream. In other words, we just don't fit it with our culture at all. This is what John was saying when he penned this verse:

John 2:15-16

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Living for God is much different than the world lives. The majority of people on the ship were there to just over-indulge themselves with liquor, food, etc. It was a frenzy of lust-crazy people, just following their desires. We found ourselves the minority on the ship because we choose to obey God over what the world tells us is good and will please us. What pleases us most is when we honor and glorify God instead of ourselves. Putting ourselves aside for the sake of what God asks us to do. This is loving submission to a Holy God.

But while there were things we just didn't want to participate in, we did find so many things to do. All the while, building up our marriage, refreshing us physically and emotionally, and just really connecting to one another on all levels. We would definitely do this type of vacation again. It was just so easy. We didn't have to think about anything. It was all done for us. I really feel like we need to get away, even if just for a weekend, ever couple of years. It is very worthwhile in so many ways. It takes us out of the normal bustle of life and gives us a chance to talk about how things are going, and what we can do to improve for the future. We came back ready to get back to what God has given us. The blessing of having a strong and healthy marriage, three children to raise up and enjoy for God's glory, and the mission of striving to be more like Christ each day. AMEN!!!!