The Battle For My Wallet IV: Return of the ZZUBs (Addendum, p.85; 07/12)

[tammyandtommy]

1. I was soo happy to see an update soo soon!
2. Im glad there was no terrifying cliff to hang off of
3. Im glad to see that zzub is having a good start to a rocky trip

 

[Cass]

Is that some scaffolding on the right side of your first balcony pic??

 

[lexmelinda]

I’m saying that sometimes I get so enamored of my ability to make things happen that I think I’m making things happen. I forget that despite all my plans, I’m not in control. He is........From time to time, I need to be reminded that God is God. I am not. Sometimes I forget to trust Him. I forget that He loves my children more than I do. He loves me more than I do. And He loves to bless us. Even with things which, in eternity seem trivial. Like a bunk bed room with a courtyard view at the Wilderness Lodge.

Or a water view at POR...even though we arrived late in the day. Well stated, Mr. ZZUB. I, too, have ceased to believe in coincidence or good luck...it's all part of His plan...the big and the small things. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Faith isn’t like riding a bike for me. Sometimes I forget. I’m not saying I forget God. I don’t. I’m saying that sometimes I get so enamored of my ability to make things happen that I think I’m making things happen. I forget that despite all my plans, I’m not in control. He is. And He really will provide for us. Big things and little things. Things which mean everything and things He does just to remind us that He loves us.

Like letting us know our child is ok. And letting us come to Disney World. Letting us stay in the Wilderness Lodge. In a bunk bed room with an amazing view. None of my plans made this happen. From time to time, I need to be reminded that God is God. I am not. Sometimes I forget to trust Him. I forget that He loves my children more than I do. He loves me more than I do. And He loves to bless us. Even with things which, in eternity seem trivial. Like a bunk bed room with a courtyard view at the Wilderness Lodge.

Thank you for this. We don't know each other, but for some reason, this is exactly what I needed today, and you gave it to me. God does work in ways that are his own, and I think this may just be one of those times. Thank you.

 

[Redbudlover]

Thanks, ZZub. Thanks for sharing your joy and the wholeness of you. For the sincerity and the goodness. We hear so much about the evil and the bad things happening in the world that too often we are not in touch with what makes us good and caring. You put me in touch with God when I read your reports and I want you to know how much I appreciate that. It has been a very hard year for me as I separate from the man I love with whom I have been with the past 12 years - and although it is a positive step and although he and I remain good friends it is hard and painful. It is good to be reminded that I am not God and that God has plans for us and that those plans are loving. For me too always when my plans have been thwarted I have been blessed with a better path. It is good to be reminded to trust in God and to have faith that good will come of that. So thanks ZZub, for your sharing.

 

[offwegotoneverland]

I'm glad that worked out for you....it was a great story and I'm glad your getting both dancing on the bed and still time in your vacation.

I hope the rest of this story is as uplifting!

 

[flafan]

Well here it is my 3rd post - I read your report today and WOW. We just have to trust when we fall we get up again - It's the balance, keeping the balance.

I just found this report by chance and I feel it was meant to be read. I needed a laugh and a cry and I

I can not wait to hear more - Now I have to start planning a WDW trip - Don't tell anyone I've gone to the dark side and am having a hard time finding my way back - Please Help This report is a good start and you haven't even hit the parks yet.

 

[EEyorelover22]

There's nothing like those bunkbeds...that's why Disney is charging for them next year DD13 and DS15 have to have them still. DS15 no longer fits well though...he's a linemen for the football team. BUT! we still love the bunkbeds.

Thanks for making my early evening special with this update.

 

[javamom]

Zzub, I am soo glad that your family finally "made it there." I know.

Nice upgrade, btw!

 

[Oh Kay!]

Faith isn’t like riding a bike for me. Sometimes I forget. I’m not saying I forget God. I don’t. I’m saying that sometimes I get so enamored of my ability to make things happen that I think I’m making things happen. I forget that despite all my plans, I’m not in control. He is. And He really will provide for us. Big things and little things. Things which mean everything and things He does just to remind us that He loves us.

Like letting us know our child is ok. And letting us come to Disney World. Letting us stay in the Wilderness Lodge. In a bunk bed room with an amazing view. None of my plans made this happen. From time to time, I need to be reminded that God is God. I am not. Sometimes I forget to trust Him. I forget that He loves my children more than I do. He loves me more than I do. And He loves to bless us. Even with things which, in eternity seem trivial. Like a bunk bed room with a courtyard view at the Wilderness Lodge.

I stood on the balcony for as long as I’ve ever stood still in Disney World. I stood still.

And I was reminded how to keep my balance.

Thank you. I really needed to read that today.

 

[Shelby5514]

Nice!

 

[beachgrl001]

Chapter Five: Pop Tarts and Bike Rides


And I was reminded how to keep my balance.

Awesome!

 

[ncseric]

She continued clacking away on her computer (evidently more than one person is translating the Metro Orlando area yellow pages into Klingon)

All I could think of was the scene out of Meet the Parents where our hero is at the airport with the desk agent hammering away on the computer. Priceless.

 

[nicolemarie]

ZZUB!! You should have told me YESTERDAY that you had a new installment!

And another great one it is.

But first things first - where is your wallet? I almost didn't recognize you.

I’ve written before that my favorite time of any Disney trip is the moment between check in and when you get to your room. It’s the greatest time of anticipation. You’ve checked into your hotel which means you’re really there. You’ve received your room keys and park tickets which confirms that in a few hours you’ll be riding rides, laughing hysterically and eating ice cream. Your whole trip is ahead of you. And so you walk towards your room wondering what it looks like and what your view will be like and whether it’s a good location.

I'm right there with ya, Z. Although a close second for me is pulling up to the resort for the first time and watching the poor souls boarding the Magical Express for their departure to the airport. Call me mean, but I relish it.

We went out onto the balcony and checked out the view. It was amazing.

WOW!!! That IS an amazing view! It's making me rethink my AKL reservations.

I also turned the air down to 65.

Always my first move in a hotel room.

I stood on the balcony for as long as I’ve ever stood still in Disney World. I stood still.

And I was reminded how to keep my balance.

You've made me laugh hysterically more times than I can count. And you've made me cry with the poignant descriptions of the hardships you and your family have gone through lately.

But I don't think I've ever read three sentences in a trip report that hit me like those did. You are a great writer, Zzub. And a great man of God. We've always joked about your anonymity and never meeting in real life.

But I think Heaven will have Tonga Toast. And I hope one day our families can sit down and enjoy some together.

Thanks, Zzub.

NM

 

[ZZUB]

I don't normally post responses back to people in specific on here because it's impossible to reply to everyone who posts. Although it appears Utahmama is making a run at it. If I did reply to every post, I know inevitably I'd forget to respond to someone and unwittingly hurt his or her feelings. So I don't do it.

Except, I'm doing it now.

NicoleMarie: thank you. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement. I'm grateful and humbled that anything I write is of any encouragement or brings any joy to fellow travelers (forgive the sorry pun). I would that I was a "great man of God." I am but a man. If there is anything good or anything praiseworthy about me, then I'm confident you know Who is the author of that goodness. I worry sometimes that people read my writing and are left with the false impression that I am above reproach. I am not. Ask anyone who knows me in real life. They'll tell you. As I said up front, I am a flawed creature who needed a Savior. As we all do.

To borrow a phrase from Sheridac: I know that you know that. I just wanted to make sure it was clear that I'm not perfect or even great, nor do I think I am.

Shelby: I note with interest that apparently EVERYONE is invited to the Maelstrom January meet but the ZZUBs?! That will be reflected in your permanent record. If indeed you have a permanent record. And I'm granted access to it.

And as long as I'm here:

Cass: yes, that is scaffolding. That's the hazard of going to Disney anymore. Everything is being rehabbed. I tried to take photos around it, but as you'll observe in some pictures I post later, it was unavoidable.

MommyPoppins: did you post something? For some reason, whenever you post on the Trip Report board, I have trouble reading it. Odd.

Still don't know what this means, but I can't help using it.

 

[lexmelinda]

Untitled Hymn...so beautiful....I cry in my car everytime I hear it. What a beautiful choice for Samuel...and for us all.

 

[Shelby5514]

Shelby: I note with interest that apparently EVERYONE is invited to the Maelstrom January meet but the ZZUBs?! That will be reflected in your permanent record. If indeed you have a permanent record. And I'm granted access to it.

Z~ This is a MAELSTROM MEET, and you my friend are one of the original Vikings, therefore you ARE invited. If I sent you a personal invite written in frosting on a cherry pop tart, would THAT make you happy?


BTW~ Your trip report is GOLDEN!

 

[dizydreamer]

I just need to say thank you Zzub. Thank you. Your TR has been a blesseing for me. Thank you.

 

[KathyRN137]

I am feeling you joy! Thank you, ZZUB!

Kathy

 

[auntk]

ZZUB - Not to be a big downer, but I read this installment on the day of my boss and friend's funeral. She passed away in her sleep last weekend. I've been shell-shocked (NOShelby) all week. This installment helped me find my balance again. Thank you.

Can't wait to read the rest!