ROLLERCOSTER RIDE?

A month or so ago when sailing into Monterey Bay one of the first sights that came into view was this massive "fairground" area, which we later were told was the Santa Cruz Boardwalk".  Later it seemed that every time we went for a ride in that area we mentioned that it would be great fun to walk along the ocean and enjoy the fun of it.............well finally a week ago did. ( I was not feeling very chipper as I was in the middle of battling a cold but went along to please "my man"!)

This being the winter season the Boardwalk is only open for the weekend subsequently it was pretty busy.  Folks from all nationalities and areas were eating corn dogs, garlic fries, having a beer and just plain having a great time with their families.  You can check the photo gallery for some pictures that I took and the link to see more details and history.  For Claes and I it brought back a lot of memories of taking our children to the PNE in  Vancouver and then finally our adventure to Disney Land when Tanya was just 16.  We actually went to Disney Land once after that with out the kids............they were all grown up and Claes just had to check out the rides. Hahaha.   We were on a driving holiday to see my mom in Mesa.  You see I am not one of those who thrills at amusement park rides.  As you can see by the picture I am better at the Carousel.........that is Ryan and I on one. That was something that "dad" enjoyed doing with his three "crazy" offspring. The truth of the matter was and is that I am scared silly about going up into them and then down again! As I stood gazing upwards at the Roller coaster that was nearly the length of the park and about  100 feet high I was reminded of how in my life I had been coerced  a few times into going on such a creature!

Today I am thinking back to the last month here in Santa Cruz and recognize that life  has been rather testy for Claes and I.  It is like we are on that roller coaster ride at the Santa Cruz Board walk.  Initially this was suppose to be a week of installing a new motor and enjoying the area.  Not a bad place to be stuck doing engine work.  Nice weather, beaches and fee Internet.  What more could one want?   More like a merry go around  not a roller coaster ride.  

Looking back when you are walking away from it all, your feet on the ground once again the  balance returns, back to the familiar  you think............hmm was it really that bad?         or perhaps you say I will never do that again.......................either way once secure in knowing that you have come to the end of it you can look to either the next ride or to the assurance that never again will you do that!

The reality is though that you just never know do you?  As you walk firmly onward  you grow braver and into who you are and ready for the next ride......................safely in the knowing that all is well based on the assurance that with the  experience of the "ride" and the gained courage you can carry on.   As life is played out in the arms of Your Lord  He helps  you  see things more clear and in some cases understand why you had to go up and down that ride of life!!! that roller coaster.

Claes and I both say thank you GOD and for all your continued prayers for our adventure.

Until later I will close for now and get on with my chores for the day.............Lue