Tuesday, September 28, 2010

and the train of his robe filled the temple...

Tonight I saw the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen in my entire life.  I was going out in our backyard to let Hudson play when I caught a glimpse of the beauty in the sky.  I wanted to see this sunset take its final bow at the edge of the ocean.  So, I grabbed Hudson (who was only wearing a diaper) and I grabbed the keys and ran to the car.  We live 3 blocks from the beach so normally I would ride a bike or go for a walk, but I didn't want to miss the sun setting.  I didn't even put on shoes or grab a camera.

I decided to head to one of the beaches where I could easily park and get to the water as quick as possible.  On our way there, I couldn't help but notice the people walking outside along the street and yet, completely unaware of the beauty above them.  But, as soon as we got to the beach, it was a different story.

People stood still.

Hudson and I sat on the beach taking in the scene.  I noticed people had phones and cameras out trying to capture the beauty.  And I fought back the tears as my mind began to focus on the One who created this glorious scene.

This past Saturday night we heard the husband of one our friend's from college preach on Isaiah 40.  He talked about the attributes of God and we were reminded of His power and His indescribable glory.  Also, Trav and I have been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and the last chapter I read was talking about the throne room of God.  I was reminded about the verse in Isaiah 6:1 that says, "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple."  After reading that chapter, I sat back and began day dreaming about what it would look like for the train of his robe to fill the temple.

I then began to think about how even Isaiah couldn't describe the vision he had of the glory of the Lord.  And then there was this sunset... and it was as if God was showing a vision of his indescribable glory.  I could try to tell you that the clouds filled the sky and there were bright pinks, reds, and oranges.   I could go on to tell you that the sea below looked iridescent and as though there was a pearly glass blanket on top of the sea sparkling as it reflected the sky.  I could tell you that no one who saw this moved because they didn't want to miss it.  I could tell you that I watched God's creation worship Him in the skies.  I could tell you that I was completely moved by our majestic God.

But, all of these words would fall short.  None of these words would give you a glimpse of the glory in the sky.  And to think, what I did see was just a glimpse of the glory of God.  God was reminding me that He is greater than I can even imagine.  He cannot be described.  I imagine this is how Isaiah must have felt.

I don't think I will ever forget tonight.  Sitting on the beach with my baby boy dressed only in his diaper watching a glorious show of our Creator.  I don't want to miss His glory.  I don't want to be like those who were walking along the street and never even noticed.  I don't want to live my life so "me" focused. I don't want my christian life to be about my life experience and have God fit into that.  I don't want to read the word of God thinking how does this verse apply to me, but instead read it thinking what does this verse say about God.  I want to fit into His plan.  I want to be a part of displaying His glory.  I want to tell others so they don't miss it.

I imagine tonight I saw a glimpse of the train of his robe.


Revelations 7:9-12
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.  They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice:

'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.  They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!' "

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Hudson happenings...

Crawling through his tunnel...


Workin' with the guys...


Eating his first oreo :) yum...


having a car wash...


relaxing on the couch...

And just being Hud...

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Summer's 30th Birthday

My beautiful sister, Summer just turned 30!  So, we all gathered for a little surprise celebration.  Summer thought Bryan was taking her out on a date and instead found all of us waiting for her for a night of dinner and dancing. 

Summer and the Hud bud dancing:

My dad and Summer dancing together... so sweet :)

Happy Birthday Summer!
You are an amazing sister and we are all so blessed to have you in our lives!

Monday, September 20, 2010

As my dad would say, "the land of the dis"

Last week we went to Disneyland with the Hofschroers.  While we were waiting for them, we had to take a tradition picture with the "C"since we are the "C"ollins :)

We haven't been for a few months and it was amazing to see the change in Hudson's response since last time we went.  He was so much more aware of everything around him and of course, the parade was a huge hit. 



The Hofschroer's on the most fun ride in Disneyland.... I can't even remember the name, but it will leave you remembering it (we all felt slightly sick afterwards and no we weren't on the tea cups).

While Amy and I fed dinner to our boys, our husbands went off to ride Tower of Terror.  We decided to ride a few rides with the boys while we were still waiting.  So, we rode Heimlich's Chew Chew Train... and well, we were so taken back by the experience we insisted the guys ride it with us after we joined up again. 

The boys getting ready for the chew chew train.... 
I think it should win a prize for Disneyland's most boring ride...haha.  We even asked the guy working there how long people actually wait for this ride to which the answer was up to an hour.  All I can say is that I am glad we didn't wait an hour for this ride. 

I have a beco baby carrier that I often wear and put Hudson in.  I just love holding him while he is sleeping.  So, even though the little ones fell asleep we still managed to ride Pirates, watch Fantasmic, enjoy a few D-land goodies and we even stayed until closing.... which we haven't done in a long time. 

Hud and Lo on our way back to the cars:
Good friends, good conversations, good times :)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Beach Fun

(Warning: Hudson has grandparents in Ohio who don't get to see him much, so please excuse the abundant amount of photos of Hudson)

This summer Hudson and I have been spending a lot of time down on the beach.  Although, our summer really didn't feel much like a summer, the weather was still really enjoyable.  Here are just a few random beach pictures from the last couple of weeks. 

Play date with Jackson:

As you can see, we are now a hat-wearing baby again :)  With his fair skin and light blue eyes, I am constantly putting on sun screen and I really try to keep a hat on him to keep the sun off his face.  So, during his no-hat-phase, this was a major problem. 

He looks so grown up in this picture:

Checking out the train that was going by...

Enjoying some time on the swings:

And one of my all time favorite things to do is to take a family walk down to the beach in the evenings.  It is just so quiet and peaceful. 


What a better beach toy than a drum stick?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Orange Street Fair

Labor Day weekend, we went for the second year in a row to the Orange street fair.  The highlight of the fair is really all the amazing food from all over the world.  My sister and her husband Trever live in Orange just 2 houses down from our good friends the Davis'.  Unfortunately, Brooke and Trever couldn't join us, but we had fun with the Davis family. 




And again, we ate another funnel cake ... yum!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

fun at the park

This summer has been so much fun taking Hudson to the park.  He is at an age now that he really enjoys getting to run and play.  Travis works 12 hour days a couple of days a week, so Hudson and I have been spending at lot of time at the beach and the park.  


First time down a slide and enjoying it...