Branson, MO

A co-worker and I took an overnight trip to Branson, MO. this weekend.  If you’re not familiar, click on the link and check it out.  

I’m going to try to write this without it sounding like a commercial. 

I had to go to the Titanic museum; loved it.  It is very informative and interesting.  Before you enter the museum, you get a boarding pass describing one of the real life passengers.  At the end of your tour, you find out whether or not your passenger survived the tragedy.  Ours survived.  Focusing on the fact that these were real people and not just a story was emotional for me and I found myself taking some deep breaths to keep myself together.  There were other factors involved too.

Tony Roi, The Elvis Experience – My co-worker is an enthusiastic Elvis fan.  I enjoy the King of Rock and Roll more than the average person, but I am not a fan of impersonators Tribute Artists.  I have to admit though, he was good.  Here is the undeniable evidence that I was there. 

We also went to a show called SIX.  It was very cool.  Six brothers performing songs Acappella.  Not only singing, but using their voices to replicate the sounds of instruments. 

I choose this video to post because I wanted to mention the fact that EVERY show in Branson recognizes our veterans and does some sort of tribute to them.  This is another thing that tugs at my heart strings.

The rest of our time was spent eating and shopping.  I got some sweet Christmas decorations.

It was a good weekend, but I was ready to come home.  I mentioned before it was emotional.  Our last family trip with Peyton was to Branson.  Peyton & I had been to Branson several times with friends so there are lots of fun memories there. 

One of my favorite Peyton/Branson memories – Peyton was around 12 or 13.  We had come back to the condo and gotten cleaned up and into our pajamas.  We walked next door to where the girls were staying.  The girls were on the pull out sofa bed watching TV.  Peyton runs and lands on the bed telling the girls to scoot over.  They are looking at him like he is crazy.  He says “come on, we can paint our toenails and talk about our feelings.”  His mind was so quick and he was never at a loss for words. 

I miss you Peyton Douglas Jackson, even in Branson.

Exercise…… Physical and Otherwise

I read this on someone else’s blog several months ago.  I have it saved on my computer and read it from time to time.  She is talking about exercise.  I’ve printed it to hang in front of my treadmill.  I don’t remember where I got it from, if you are the author, thank you. 

The truth is:

• Sometimes it's gonna hurt more than others.  I need to push through it and stop repeating the process of quitting when it gets too tough.
• It's not just about exercise.  It's about discipline.  It's about sacrifice. It's about commitment.  It's about finishing the goal that He has set before me. 
• It's about allowing Him to complete a work in me that seems nearly impossible.
• He has given me a body that is capable of exercising...it is a gift. 
• I am not allowed to quit on this one.

It doesn't matter if I like it all the time.

I am learning.  Physically and spiritually it is about sticking to the plan, moving forward, adding more to what seems impossible...because I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)

As I was reading it this morning, the last paragraph spoke volumes to me.   I am in the middle of God’s plan, I will stick to God’s plan and move forward.  As I am faithful, he will add more to what already seemed impossible.  What was meant for evil, He will turn for good.

The 3rd 4th without Peyton

I am suprised how hard these last few days have been.  (I don't know why I'm suprised!! maybe that's part of my problem)  Tom & I are on vacation.  I think this is the first vacation since Peyton has been in Heaven that we haven't gone somewhere.  The hours at home with nowhere in particular to be gives me time to think.  I'm usually okay with thinking, but not this week.  The 4th didn't happen the way I wanted.  We had a good time and love the people who came to the house but the people we usually spend it with were not able to make it.  These friends remember and miss Peyton the way we do.  I don't want to get used to not talking about Peyton, but this is the way things are headed.  It is natural and normal but I am fighting against it.  I know I will always talk about him, but in the natural course of my life, I will meet more and more people who do not know him (maybe this is all the more reason to keep talking about him)

There seems to be a "settling in" to this chapter of our lives.  The high school activities are over. "Our" kids are growing up and moving forward.  We want them to press on to their futures and live their lives.  Even though this is what we want, it is hard because Peyton is not here doing the same.  It is very hard not to think about what we are missing out on.  I get tired of sharing other people's children, but am grateful to have them.

Peyton has been in Heaven for 2 1/2 years. It seems like forever.  I am having trouble finding purpose in my life right now, but I am not alone.  God is always with me and He never gives up on me.  I know He has great and wonderful assignments and adventures for Tom & I to fulfill.  He is a great God and He loves us so much. 

The words didn't flow out as easily tonight as they usually do.  I didn't want to post at all, but felt like I needed to start typing and see what happened.  I don't think it was much, but I appreciate you reading.  I've read over this post several times and I realized I have made statements then used the word "but" NINE TIMES.  This has to be some kind of record and I'm sure it's not a good record.