A Walk in McClay Gardens

Our day at McClay Gardens began with a stroll by the water. We had never been to the Gardens until yesterday, so it was a new experience for all three of us and we each were amazed at the gorgeous view of the water, landscaping and how such a gorgeous piece of land could be tucked away in the city of Tallahassee.









Me and Jim sat down at a picnic table while Alana explored the playground. She made her way to each activity, but her very favo

rite was seeing how high she could go on the swing. I was a little sad when I realized that she no longer needs me to give her a push to get going. She knows how to swing and get very high very quickly. Just shows how much she's growing and she's becoming more and more independent (well, at least with small things).

The Walk thru the gardens....we made great memories....

I was wondering how Alana would do, but I should not have worried. She seemed to enjoy the walk as much as us. I was able to get some great pictures of Jim and Alana together as well as me and Alana. Alana was so loving. She gave lots of kisses and hugs. We all had a wonderful afternoon just being family and enjoying being with one another. When I looked thru all of the pictures I had taken I was amazed that I was able to capture so many great moments.

Alana was all about being close to her Daddy yesterday. It was so sweet...at times I just stood back in amazement at their interaction. They have a lot of fun together. I realize how "Free Spirited" both of them are, especially when they are together. These are my favorite pictures of the two of them from yesterday. I'm sure I will cherish these for a long time.

Sometime, I just get lucky enough to capture such great moments on camera.






























And then I had my beautiful moments with Alana. I never doubt why I'm here on earth when I hold her in my arms. She reminds me everyday how wonderful life is and reminds me that it's okay to let go.

The Lord must have known how much I needed this day. I enjoyed the entire day PAIN FREE and FATIUE FREE. GOD YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE GOD!!

After recently being extremeley tired all the time for no apparent reason as well as experiencing an array of random symptoms, I was given the name of an Auto Immune Disease and told that it was something I would battle for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong, I realize how blessed I am and that other people are dealing with struggles that are far worse than this. But five or ten years ago, I never fathomed that going on the age of 29, I would battle such fatigue and pain as I do. The difficulty doesn't just come with the symptoms, but coping with the fact that at any given moment I can go from feeling phenominal to feeling like I can't pick my head up. But God is in control of this situation. I trust that I'm going to have a complete healing. Whether he decides to heal me miraculously or thru medicine or through a progression of time, that's completely up to him. Afterall he is in control. Regardless, I've chosen to stay in the mindset of being positive about what I'm going thru. Something inside of me, I believe it's faith, tells me that this storm will soon be over. At least that's what I choose to believe.

I recently decided that there are a few things that seem to boost my spirits. Of course praying and reading God's word, that's a given. But there's also something about being surround by family and friends who you know care about you and just want the best for your life. Two of the people that keep my spirit lifted are Jim and Alana. I've had some of the best moments with them recently. One of the things about what I'm going thru is that it has truly made me slow down a little. I'm learning to prioritize my time better, and I'm realizing more and more what's MOST IMPORTANT..and second to GOD that's my family which include extended family. Whether we are watching a movie, out on the town or enjoying different aspects of nature together, God has shown me that these moments are what keep me going.

I also gain a lot of strength being surround by my extended family from my church. I've really grown to love, actually I've fallen in love witht he people there. Today at church, my friend Janet stood up and shared a scripture and words from her heart that she felt God had given her today. And I have to say, Janet was God's angel today. He just poured out his spirit and annointing on her as she shared what the Lord had place on her lips. She had no idea, but I was blessed beyond measure by the words that she shared. Even though I was on stage ministering and giving everything that I had for the GLORY of the Lord, he still chose to minister to me thru such a willing vessel as Janet and it was awesome. Thank you Janet for your obedience and I know that what you shared was for more than just me, many people were blessed by that word.

So after such a wonderful weekend with my family and a great day in the Presence of Almighty God, I'm ready to begin this power-packed week. I pray that whoever reads this is encouraged and reminded that no matter what you are going thru God is right by your side. To be honest, lately I feel like he's been carrying me most of the way and it's been awesome to be in the arms of my Father.