Finding Atlas

On our last morning in NYC, my mother and I were explored Rockefeller Center. After "The Today Show" we went to the Top of the Rock and then walked around the block looking for Atlas. I couldn't remember exactly where Atlas was located, but I knew it was somewhere in Rockefeller Center. Everyone knows that. Or at least I thought. I asked about three or four people around the area one being a security guard,
"Excuse me, but could you tell me where the Atlas statue is?"

His response, "Nope." He wouldn't even look at me.
I had another lady tell me she had no idea what I was talking about even when I described the statue to her.

So I decided to walk into some clothing store on 5th Ave and 49th Street and ask again. (Keep in mind, I've been strolling down 5th Ave between 51st and 49th Streets this whole time. Ok?)

"I'm sorry, but would you happen to know where the Atlas statue is?"

With a expression of utter confusion, the lady looked at me and said, "The what?"

"Atlas. You know, the man holding the globe on his shoulders."

Still confused she said, "Ummm.... I don't... no, I don't don't know about that. You might want to ask her." pointing to a coworker. "Hey, Amanda, do you know where - Atlas? Right?" Looking at me and then turning back to her coworker. "Yeah... do you know where the Atlas statue is?"

"Of course!" Amanda said. "That big statue?!! Yeah! It's way, way, way down 39th Street. Almost to the end. Way down there." Amanda overly chipper today, just so you know.

"So... way down 39th Street?" I said. This seemed way, way, way too far from Rockefeller Center. "I'll just continue down 5th until I get to 39th?"

"Yeah! It's way, way, way down 49th!"

"Ok, so I'll go to the end of 49th."

"Yeah, go way down 59th!"

"So, it's on 59th? Not 49th."

"Yeah! Way, way, way down 59th. You can't miss it. It's all the way at the end."

"Ok, well, I'll try that. Thank you for your help."

"No problem! Have a wonderful day!"

I walked out to the sidewalk where my mother was waiting.
"So," she said, "where did they say it was? You were in there long enough."

I began telling her about the conversation I just had with Crazy Amanda. We both agreed to find someone else. Then I realized... this whole time I had my booklet with me with all the sites to see in NYC. I could have kicked myself.

Finally! Atlas was located just up the street in between 50th and 51st. The reason we didn't see it before was because they had it covered for cleaning. The box it was in blended perfectly with the other buildings, so if you just walked by it on the street you wouldn't know it was there. Pretty ridiculous, I know.... but then so was Amanda.

Faith, Hope, and Love

Last night I had the pleasure of spending time with friends (new and old) in Ada, Oklahoma, USA, the World.
I have been so blessed to meet every single one of them, and they have been such a testimony to me.

A message was shared during our visit about keeping faith even during difficult times. When God allows these things to happen, and we keep the faith and hope alive, the ending result will be good. We will be blessed.
Recently many spiritual and physical trials have come against my family and me. I can feel myself becoming bitter, which pulls me farther away from God.

God has been so merciful and patient with me. Why is it that I choose to lose hope when He has been so faithful and has proven Himself over and over again?

I want to choose life. I want to fight the good fight. I want to finish the course. I want to keep the faith through each moment of hardship. I constantly cry out for peace and strength to keep me standing during temptations, testings and trials. I know if I walk in His endurance and strength that there will be a good outcome. I don't always recognize it immediately, but there have been so many times where I've looked back later down the road and have seen the work He did in my life and finally understand why.

This has definitely been one of the reasons I've been listening to Robbie Seay Band so much lately. There's at least one song (if not more) on each of his albums that is constantly reminding us (or at least me) of faith, hope and love.

My faves:
Better Days - Better Days Album
Jesus Garden of My Rest - Better Days
Peace - (This on the Better Days, but I prefer the version on 10,000 Charms)
Song of Hope - Give Yourself Away
New Day - Give Yourself Away (This is my ultimate fave!)
Love Wins - Give Yourself Away
You are Good - 10,000 Charms
Hope - 10,000 Charms

There are so many more songs of his that are wonderful, but these truly speak to me in times I feel myself losing faith, hope and the greatest of all... Love.