He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Things to Remember on the Cruise - from Mary of Premier Cruises

I just had to share. This looks great! Have you ever been on a cruise? If you want to join me and my group, save $100.00 and book under my name! Group Kara!

Join us as we will sail from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Cozumel MEXICO Jan 12-16, 2012! If you click on this square banner, you will be connected to my group. Or if you want to call the cruise line, remember to mention Group Kara. And, if you are a part of my group, and I get 20 cabins booked, you could win my drawing on the ship of a mini-photography session for you or you and your group of ladies!

Join Kara on the Girl's Get-a-way 2012

Things to Remember When You Cruise

Things to Remember When You Cruise
Only seven months until we head out on the Girl’s Get-A-Way cruise – I can’t wait!  I know many of you are working on your cruise packing plan and your ‘what to do’ on board.  I love a girl who plans.  I thought I’d share some cruising tips that I’ve gathered from past GGA cruisers, the Premier Christian Cruises staff, and my own trial and error experiences.  Hope this help you along the way.
1.     It’s ALL in your name—is your name spelled right?  How about your birth date? Double check your documents when they arrive (about 6 weeks prior to the cruise) to insure that everything is correct.  If you find an error contact Premier Christian Cruises at 800-889-5265 to make changes.
2.     Paper or Plastic (packing)  – use tissue paper or dry cleaning bags as you fold and pack.  You’ll love how it cuts down on the wrinkles. Also, you’ll have extra space when you toss this out – and extra luggage space is great for all those fun souvenirs you’ll find along the way.
3.     Tag your Bag – make sure to attach a luggage tag to your bag and include your information on the inside, too – just in case.
4.     Keep Your documents handy – don’t pack your passport or birth certificate.  Keep it in your bag or carryon.   You’ll need it as you head into the port.
5.     No Irons allowed – that’s right.  No irons are allowed in your stateroom, but there is a laundry area onboard where you’ll find ironing boards and irons.  Or you can opt for tip number 3.
6.     Wrinkle Release --  bring along a bottle of wrinkle release (look for a travel size). Hang your clothes, give them a good spray and wait.  You’ll love the way this works.  And relax – you’re on vacation, a few wrinkles are allowed.
7.     Power strip – most cruise ship staterooms have only one outlet and if you’re anything like me that just won’t do.  I bring along a power strip so I have a place to plug in all my necessary stuff like battery charger, flat iron, hair dryer, and my phone (which I use for an alarm clock)
8.     Cell Phones at Sea – okay girls, turn off that cell phone or put it on airplane mode (which means it’s not receiving a signal) or you may find yourself facing high priced roaming charges.)   You can access the internet while we're sailing.
9.     Wake Up – if you don’t want to miss an early morning devotional, pack an alarm clock or use your cell phone (in airplane mode).  Cruise ship staterooms aren’t equipped with clocks.
10.  Night Light – if you booked an inside stateroom you may want to pack a nightlight as the room can be very dark.  (Great for sleeping in, but not so great for waking up.)
11.  Try something new – order a dish you’ve never tasted, sit in on a speaker you’ve never heard, or listen to a musician you don’t know.  You’ll discover some great treasures.
12.  Open Heart – ask God to guide you as you meet new people and interact with the crew.  Open your heart and eyes to see that person who needs encouragement or friendship.
13.  Jump on in – not overboard, but into the FUN!  Join in on the contests and events. You’ll have a blast and meet new people.
14.  Say hello – don’t forget to find me and all the Premier Christian Cruises staff and say hello.  We love meeting each of you and it’s fun to put a face with a name!
See you on the Cruise!!

Mary

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Josh Hamilton and Shannon Stone

"My faith in the Lord and my relationship with Jesus Christ on a daily basis helps me handle life," Hamilton said while in Phoenix for the All-Star Game. "And this is life. There are tragedies, there are things that happen that you have no control over. And you don’t understand them and will never understand them until you can understand them in front of your maker." - Josh Hamilton



By now you've heard the story (and here). Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers through a ball into the stands, and Shannon Stone reached for it, but lost his balance and fell to the deck below, and later died from his injuries. 

I cannot get this story out of my head. It hits home for us for so many different reasons.
My husband is a fireman, so was Shannon Stone. We are such a baseball family, so are both of these families. My husband would do anything to grab a ball for his son, or his daughters, so did Shannon Stone. 

I've thought about this so much, I just don't know why things like this happen. It just makes me sick to my stomach. I have heard on the news and such that Josh Hamilton is having a hard time with this. I cannot imagine the pain that the Stones are also going through. My heart goes out to both families. I pray that the Stones will be encouraged by all of us who are praying for them. I pray that something good comes out of all of this. 

I do know that God does not make mistakes. Things happen, and Josh Hamilton put it into words so much better in the quote above. I also heard that Josh will eventually get to speak to this family.  I am encouraged that he will get to share his faith

Please pray for both these families. Feeling the loss of a father must be hard, and being someone involved in a freak accident like this would be tough to live with as well.  Pray that the Lord will give Josh Hamilton the right words to say, that the family will be open to hear what he has to say, and that our Lord Jesus Christ's name will be praised in all of this.


by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus