Take a deep breath

     Today is the first day in almost a week that doesn't feel kamikaze crazy. I spent last Wednesday and Thursday helping out a friend who runs an online fireworks company (If anyone is in the market for fireworks check out his website). Picture this, the outside temperature is 95º and we're working in a metal warehouse slinging cases of fireworks. On the bright side, it definitely helped me shed a few more pounds. Friday afternoon Jacksonville spent an hour and a half under a tornado warning. During this time, there was a water spout on the St. Johns River, no more than 2-3 miles from our house. At our house we mainly saw heavy rain and crazy lightning/thunder which brought Psalm 97:2-5 to mind.

 ² Clouds and darkness surround Him;
         Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
 ³ A fire goes before Him,
         And burns up His enemies round about.
 ⁴ His lightnings light the world;
         The earth sees and trembles.
 ⁵ The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD,
         At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
 

Shortly after the warning had expired we headed out to have dinner with some friends who are moving to Texas. It was pretty cool to look in front of us and see clear blue skies while behind us the sky was black as night.

Saturday morning we woke up early, for a Saturday, and headed to the airport. Mark and Janet, our base directors, arrived back in Jacksonville after spending a year in China. It was good to see them again after all this time. From the airport we headed out to spend the day at the beach with the youth from GCA.  It's been really awesome getting to know the youth better.  Lyla really enjoyed playing in the sand, but wasn't a big fan of salt water. I broke my sandal playing volleyball and discovered how extremely hot sand can be.


After regrouping at home, we headed out to find me some new sandals. Unfortunately with my gigantic feet (size 13), it was difficult to find something I liked.  So, for the time being I'm wearing these beauties that I bought for $3.

After a long day in the sun, we decided to forget about our diet for a couple hours and enjoy some ice cream. All in all it was an awesome summer day.

Last night our good friends Kyle and Danielle came over to grill out and get in a rousing game of Ticket to Ride. My family gave me this wonderful Cherry Peanut Ginger Wasabi finishing sauce that I used to marinate the chicken. It was delicious. The night was finished off nicely with a personal victory in Ticket to Ride.

Lyla's first sparkler

Looking forward to the rest of this week. We're going to a Suns game tomorrow with friends from church, youth group on Wednesday, the zoo on Friday, a birthday party on the 4th and Sunday is our 6th wedding anniversary.