Three babies, two dogs, and one swing

Last night a huge storm hit our piney wooded corner of Texas. Dark purple-black clouds rolled in and thunder warned us of an impending downpour. The lightning began flashing and beckoned us outside onto the porch to watch its wonder. We ventured outside with three squealing kiddos on our laps. After a deafeningly loud clap of thunder, the dogs jumped on the swing with us and we all huddled, some scared, some shaking, and some giggling as our eyes were wide and our feet sprinkled with the patter of rain. True women sitting with three babies, two dogs, and one swing.

Watching the display of God's glory in a storm always leaves me frozen in awe or dancing in the rain, but more wonderful than the storm itself is experiencing it through the eyes of a child. Their simple minds of amazement remind me of what Jesus taught us, to become like a child to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-4). May we be just like a child, humbled by the beauty of our King.

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Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...

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All My Love, Gennavieve

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