Nawlins

This past weekend, Matt and I had the opportunity to spend some time in New Orleans (pronounced in the South...Nawlins).  We were privileged to see my mother-in-law receive a very distinguished award called the Charles E. Dunbar Career Service Award presented by the Louisiana Civil Service League.  We are very proud of her and her 38 years of service to our great state!  

She treated us well in New Orleans with a wonderful night's stay at the Bienville House located on Decatur Street in Downtown N.O.

 

 

 The food in N.O. is like none other....it is out of this world.... DELICIOUS!  That evening, we dined at the Palace Cafe on Canal Street.  On the menu for me was filet mignon on a bed of mashed potatoes with blue cheese crumbles and sauteed onions.....melt in your mouth good!

One of the highlights of the weekend was our visit to the National World War II Museum.  This museum is AMAZING.  It is a tribute to those who so valiantly served our country and fought for our freedom during World War II!  It was especially meaningful and moving for our family because our grandfathers served in this war.  We also watched the 4D movie that was produced by Tom Hanks called Beyond All Boundaries.  It was an excellent re-telling of what happened....you don't want to miss it if you visit New Orleans.

 

 

Mr. Leonard served in the Air Force during Vietnam.

 

This young man lived just down the road from where Matt and I are living now.

The Cost of Victory

A trip to New Orleans wouldn't be complete without a visit to the famous Cafe Du Monde for Beignets and Cafe au Lait!  

Yummy....makes my mouth water just looking at it!

Coffee Connoisseur 

The finished product...I really wanted to lick the powdered sugar too but thought that might be inappropriate.

Sights you might see while taking a stroll around the French Quarter:

 

 

 

 My Uncle Don and Aunt Mary who live in New Orleans treated us to a wonderful lunch and a trip to the French Market to buy souvenirs.  If you see them around town, stop and say Hi!

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

We had a great time!  It was a much needed get-away!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Celebration

Since my last post was a little depressing, I thought I would add a happy post!

A few weeks ago, Claire celebrated her birthday with a sleepover and the girls had a blast!  I can't help but smile when I think about the giggles that I heard until the wee hours of the morning. 

I think they FINALLY went to sleep between 1:30 and 3:00....that's when I stopped hearing them giggle.  I thank God for Claire's friendships!

Merry Go Round

Have you ever felt like you were on a merry go round and just couldn't get off??  That's the ride I have been on for the past several weeks and it hasn't been all that fun!  

Being in the ministry is a blessing as well as a challenge at times.  Growing up in a pastor's home helped prepare me for many of the situations my family has encountered.  We have been traveling to the hospital (an hour away) several times a week to check on and pray with a dear lady in our church who had a surgery with many complications following.  I covet your prayers for her as she continues on the LONG road to recovery and as she is also approaching the one year death anniversary of her husband.  

I attended two funerals last week.  One was like a grandmother to me as I spent many hours playing at her house with her grandchildren while growing up.  I loved her and called her Momo.  God was gracious to her in bringing her home as she was suffering with Alzheimers.  The other was a precious 10 month old baby girl that was in the nursery at the Wee School were I substitute teach.  She was born with an extra chromosome but was a delightful, sweet baby girl.  She had some health complications but seemed to be improving when God called her home.  Her family is strong in the Lord and had a peace beyond understanding at her services.  They feel that their gift from God accomplished her purpose here on earth in her short months.  I know she touched me and I am honored to have been a small part of her life. 

Yesterday, I was preparing to attend the viewing of another saint who has gone home to be with the Lord but those plans changed (*with a phone call) and I will be attending her funeral today instead (barring that the weather holds off....it's suppose to snow here but I'm not holding my breath!).  This wonderful lady spent many years in the education system teaching boys and girls to love learning.  I didn't have her as a school teacher but was privileged to have her as a Bible teacher.  She was the best VBS teacher and really made the Bible Stories interesting and helped them come to life for us.  She will be missed and remembered!  

*My plans changed yesterday when my cell phone rang and someone inquired "Where are you?"  I knew by the tone of the voice something was wrong.  A sweet lady from our church had just wrecked less than a mile from the church on her way home from the beauty shop.  I turned the car toward home so we could be there to support her family and friends.  She is now in Heaven praising our Savior!  Pray for her family as they deal with this sudden unexpected death.

Who knows (Only God does) what this weekend holds?   Sometimes our plans must change according to HIS will.

I can't say that I  understand all of this and know that I never will...but I DO KNOW that God has a plan and a purpose for ALL things and I MUST trust HIM.

I do hope that the Merry Go Round stops soon so I can get off to rest.  :)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1