A CRAZY BUNCH OF THANKFULNESS: WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE!

Well, we are back. What a wonderful, fun trip. Yes, we are not in Kansas any more. We just spent three full days in the Disney World parks and had a ball! Huston was with us and what a great time we had. I must say, for a four and a half year old...he was a real trouper. We slept late each day and didn't try to kill ourselves by getting there at the crack of dawn. Huston was exhausted from the day of travel and was tired. Therefore, he slept in and we began our first visit to the park (Animal Kingdom) mid morning. This worked out so well, we decided that this is how we would work the rest of our trip.

Huston walked all the first day and toward the end of the day would tell us he was VERY tired. Poor little guy....he really was "running out of gas", as he says. We managed to eat at the Rainforest Cafe the first night, in Downtown Disney, and I can't believe he managed to stay up so late. I have to hand it to him...he really can hang with the best of them.

The next two days, we decided to rent a stroller for him so he wouldn't have to walk so much. It really is hard for a little guy to walk ALL day. I think he enjoyed it much more that way. He even managed to take a few cat naps. You will see, at the "Brown Derby" restaurant, he took a long nap - snoring included for free.

By the time we were headed home...he said he wasn't ready. However, on the plane...about half way home...he said he wanted to see his mommy and daddy. I truly understand. There really is "no place like home!"

You know, God's Word, in the gospel of John, says Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. A "home". A place for us when we go to be with Him. A wonderful place. A place where we will never tire, never be sad or lonely, never feel hurt (physical or emotional), always joyful because he will be there. Yes, "home" will be magnificent. Many people today are always gone from home. They can't seem to stay home or enjoy their home. Sometimes because it isn't what they envisioned their physical home to be, or they want a home like someone else has, or the presence or lack of presence of others is not what they want. Yet just the thought of "home" should bring up joyous feelings for us. Just like it did for Huston when he was so anxious to be home with his mommy, daddy and sister. Jimmy and I were glad to get home again also. When we come home, there is this ahhhhh feeling that comes across us. This peace, joy, secure feeling that comes over us when step through the door. That is the way we will be when we reach our heavenly home. AHHHHHHHHH! But in capital letters!

So today, I am thankful for HOME. Thankful we are not in Kansas but HOME. Thankful for the provision our Lord has given me with family and loved ones that make up our home. Thankful for the heavenly home that awaits me one day. Thankful for the time away, so when I come home...I get that ahhhhhhh feeling.

We're not in Kansas any more...ahhhhhhh!