SEPTEMBER SWOONS

I can't help myself.  This is so ME!
As I glance through the whimsical art of
Mary Engelbreit, I see myself (without the
arm cast) skating through life with disregard
for various bumps and bruises I encounter.
I roller-skated into my 40s!

SEPTEMBER already?
The days return to that sense of August
 ---- hot and soggy yet without a speck of rain.

Perhaps it's a reminder that I can allow summer to cling to me just a little longer.

 I tend to 'linger longer' with anything I love and I     SOOOOO    L O V E   summer!

#4079-4081:: Wheeeee!  I love to twirl and spin and feel the air as I fly by on skates but I'm a bit older now and find this to be too dangerous.
Yet, I can still swirl and skate though life with that same joy in my heart.
Hubby and I look forward to training at the youth center so we are 'qualified' to help.
They even have an indoor skateboard area . . . where we can watch and vicariously enjoy that sense of conquering the world.
HAPPY SEPTEMBER!

#4082-4084:: Whiz, whirl, spin goes my head as we plow through some time-sensitive items

Butterflies fill the bowl of nectar and flowers.
Another joy of summer, of daisies, of bees!

on our to-do list.  Oh yes, we have lists - or at least hubby does.  I depend on his lists to remember all those pesky details that interfere with lolling around on the back porch.  "Oh my", my mind says.  "Good work", my mouth says to hubby.  "B R E A T H E", my soul says. It's 'chip-away' day  - a time to do all those things get get in the way of living, in my opinion, but very important to enable us to live a blessed life.  I'm glad I exercised my body today.  Now it's time to let my soul drink in some tranquil time in my favorite place . . . THE PORCH . . . even if it feels like 90 degrees, it's still my favorite place when I am not in the garden.

#4085-4087:: Yesterday swells into today.  Too

little time and too much to explore.  Yesterday's visit to a homebound friend and husband was such a joy.  We could have talked all night but hubby and I were slated for volunteer training at The Point, a fabulous youth center for at-risk kids.  We learned loads and felt so 'called' to this ministry.  Home late but filled with excitement.

I need to capture more amish barns filled with
tobacco.  They are so amazing!

#4088-4090::  I feel the slight breeze as my body cooks in the heat of our little porch.  Words fly from my brain to the paper with ease.  Why did God choose that persevering woman of Tyre to explode the gospel of Jesus Christ into the gentile world?  Why did God decide to send Jesus to such a wealthy, sophisticated city to bring new life to a woman and her child?  God's plan is so far beyond my little, tiny world.  I pray that I can 'color outside the lines' and see beyond here and now.  Some day I will have that ahaaaa moment and God will send me out of this tiny orbit into a wild spilling-over of the gospel message where I least expect it.  I can't wait!  Oh JOY!

I love my little porch: simple, small, just right.

#4091-4093:: Regroup, rest, read scripture, reflect on yesterday's initiation of another fine woman into a group that finds ways to support women when they return to school at whatever age.  A delightful time was had by all as we were introduced to another woman full of life and pressing into adventures we share together at our monthly meetings.  Although all the women attend some church, we discuss possibilities beyond the imagination to add to our 'bucket list.'  Nice.

#4094-4096:: Numbers, figures, lists, accounts, bottom lines . . . all part of the Finance meeting.  Great group who can see numbers and know where we are financially (I just attend to learn).  Our little church is in great shape so far.  We've worked hard and we are seeing results.  What a great feeling!  Oh JOY!

#4097-4099:: Back to the drawing board.  I thought I was done with those tests but I'm called back for more.  I'm totally at peace and glad that they want to see more of my aging flesh.  I'm good to go

for six more months, which is a nice feeling.  I think the body has been pushing so hard all week to remain focused and calm and at peace that I fell into bed at 7pm!!!  Twelve hours later I wake naturally, ready for a wonderful day!

This incredible home with too many rooms to count and we spent
the entire four hours chatting in the kitchen -the best!

#4100-4102:: Up and at em, says my brain.  Slowly I climb onto the glider on this Saturday morning to raise my cardio to new heights.  I've been so faithful but I truly feel refreshed today.  I pace myself, spend some time in quiet meditation and then 'fly' over to a friend's house to a leisurely morning of coffee, fabulous breakfast and chat.  It's been nearly two years since I experienced her incredible victorian decor and fabulous food.  We usually meet elsewhere.  Food for the soul and body was a fabulous treat.  AMEN!

I love my little basket on the front door with the
totally faded flag and a heart that says
 "Welcome" in Norwegian.

#4103-4105:: Sunday morning sunrise is definitely darker this week.  A red sun creeps up slowly as we drive our hour to church.  Tobacco piled in long rows of little tents or hanging in open barns to dry off tells me we are getting close to that time where I begin to cocoon.  Today is still SUMMER with warming air by mid-day and open Amish buggies filling back roads.  A visit to dear ones who cannot get to church but are finally back in their home after both became ill.  Even the caregiver joined us for holy communion.  As was written in slower times, "a wonderful time was had by all."

#4106-4108:: I'm told to cease from labor on this 'Labor Day.'  Yet, it's my only day to write and feel a sense of freedom and accomplishment as I tackle tasks that have been on my 'list' for months.  My little porch, so serene, with a tiny bit of breeze soothing my brow . . . I'm becoming a bit dramatic here.  I love the quiet, restful, zero-obligation day just for hubby and me to do what we please.  The garden calls.  I must

mingle with the bumble bees, butterflies and rose bushes. Love it!

#4109-4111:: Lazy sleep-in today so scurried through workout and moved quiet time a few hours.  Out the door in sultry heat to be refreshed with a cut and shampoo . . . ahhhhh . . .  refreshing.  Time to linger with the Lord  I grieve for the refugees as they have only the clothes on their backs.  We pray for their safety and donate to World Vision and others who are giving food, clothing and, as much as possible, shelter.  We are so blessed.  Freedom is never free: the willingness to lose everything to be safe is true freedom but so very difficult for most of us in the U.S. to comprehend.

Our little meadow gets flooded with heavy rains.
Ducks come from everywhere to enjoy this new pond
until it is absorbed into the earth 24 hours later.

#4112-4114:: I listen to the water-dots hitting the window, the swoosh of rain-waves, the gurgle of thirsty lawn drinking in new strength.  I enjoy the moment, watch ducks find new pond water,  listen to the force of RAIN.  Oh to stay home, curl up in bed and read for hours.  Work beckons.  We'll slosh through rain-lakes to a meeting tonight and enjoy the moment.  Thanks, Lord for this wonderful rain.

#4115-4117:: Fresh air, cool skies, a perfect day in the garden.  Soggy soil, easy weeding, clean up dead daylily stems, NICE.  I sit on my porch and listen to the bugs and watch blooms sprouting after their deep drink.  What a glorious day!  Now I can concentrate on words to give away on Sunday.

#4118-4120:: The meadow fills up again as I slog through road-puddles to a meeting.  God's blessing
falls on parched earth and life pierces through straw-like grass, cleared fields and my garden.  Fresh air. YUM. As much as I don't want summer to leave it is so nice to smell soggy, cool air.  A slow-down day is so needed to prepare for a long day tomorrow.

#4121-4123:: "Who do you say that I am?"says Jesus to his disciples.  It makes me think, "Who am I in Christ?"  Is Jesus shining through me?  Am I walking according to God's purpose for me as I grow in Christ?  It's so daily.  I can only trust, keep seeking and continue to walk according to His purpose for me each day.  A long day but fulfilling as we prepare for our time at the youth center tomorrow.

#4124-4126:: Cool, crisp wind sweeps across my little porch. Too cold to sit out this morning but I open the door to clear out the musty air in the house.  Like a perfectly synchronized clock, the weather changes to Fall.  We'll have 'indian summer' days soon but for now hubby is skipping happily and seems like the energizer bunny.  Good for him!  We prepare for our night at the youth center.  Look at a penny.  Which side seems more important?  What words are worth far more than this little piece of metal is worth?  We all should keep a penny in our pockets to remind us, "In God we trust."

My Aunt at her 100th birthday.
No hearing aids, glasses or cane.
She stood for 20 min telling her story
and sat for 10 each half-hour.

#4127-4129:: Chop, snip, pull, dig. Out comes overflowing mounds of herbs and spearmint.  Time to trim a bit for fall.  My Russian Sage is still going strong so bumble bees keep buzzing about.  A special day, this Sept. 15th.  My Aunt Helen turns 103 years old! She is as perky as ever on the phone but too far away for me to attend her parties.  Yes, parties.  This afternoon is tea and tonight is dinner for 12.  She is as active and social as ever.  What a fabulous example for me to live up to.  GO FOR IT AUNTIE HELEN!

My aunt Helen at 103.
She is frustrated because she uses a walker!
No glasses, no hearing aids and spends
hours on the computer with her
genealogy. 

#4130-4132:: Early up for a meeting nearly two hours away.  We decide to explore the area and find CFA, a school for boys with scholarships for almost all who enter.  God brought us to this school so we
could see the possibilities of linking it with at-risk kids we minister to at the Youth Center.  What an awesome idea! Prepare the at-risk boys for the possibility of a free education through high school that will give them opportunities for the rest of their lives! We are SO EXCITED!  It's like catching fish in a bucket.  Now to sell the idea to the youth center.

#4133-4135:: The thermometer pops up 12 degrees in just two hours.  That's why I so love Fall.  Cool, crisp mornings with soft, warm afternoons make for lovely days outside.  I can't ask for more as I linger on my little back porch with books spread out and my computer working hard.  Love it!

#4136-4138:: Meadow weeds turn gold, rose bushes pop with color, fresh air filled the house.  What more can I ask of our Creator of such beauty and refreshment?
 I write words: We are always children to God.  So many words are too hard to embrace so we go and play silly games.
That's what the disciples did when they were told by Jesus that he would soon die but raise from the dead in three days.
It was too hard to digest so they played, "which one is better than the other."
God's grace will always embrace us 'children' who skip around his tough words and say, "I'll try to understand another day."

#4139-4141:: Scrub, squeek, sparkle as windows get washed.  Nice weather provides ample time to clean up and make ready for the long months of winter.  I choose not to think about that.  The precious present is blessing us daily.  I can't ask for more.  God is good!
#4142-4144:: Serve a child and we serve Jesus and not just Jesus but our Father in heaven.  The child is the easiest disciple of Jesus to teach.  Children's hearts are open and eager to be loved and to love

back with their whole heart.  We each are to train up not only our own children but that child that may not have the opportunities we have to grow in Christ and develop spiritually.  Find a child and first pray.  Ask the Lord if this is the one you are to mentor.  It makes all the difference to that child to have an 'extra' mother or father who really cares.

#4145-4147:: Suddenly it's Fall! Cool remains and dry continues.  What glory I see about me.  What God-beauty in all of nature.  I feel so blessed.  Head spins as I create new ways to 'train up a child' as we begin our church curriculum.  FUN!

#4148-4150:: Ride, drive, scan God's beauty as we travel north to visit an ailing aunt.  Family in the

living room, endless conversation, smiles, hugs, prayers, affirmations, encouragement, laughter, great stories.  Aunt Adeline is on the mend at 91.  She moves slower now but she is still as funny as she ever was. A wonderful visit was had by all.

#4151-4153:: Drive through mountains, up and down, around and around, though forests and small towns we end up at a tiny town called Jim Thorpe, named after the Decathlete even though he never lived there.  A perfect place for hiking and biking.  A delightful B&B and walking through tight streets filled with centuries old homes was a delight to the eye.  A quiet time.  Nice.

#4154-4156:: A stop in Bethlehem to visit the oldest bookstore in the world! Moravians came to this town and it still blooms with their signature.  Lehigh University was a delight as we walked the campus . . .  up hill.  Our aging bodies got quite a workout but what a delight.  God is present in the bones of this old town.  A delight to the spirit.  We felt blessed.  Home sweet home after a few days

away.

#4157-4159:: Catch up on work in between long moments embracing the visit of Pope Francis.  It's amazing how those who tend to tear down the theocracy were glued to the Pope's words.  Supreme Court Judges, Congress and so many who have pressed their godless views into laws seemed to honor this humble man of God.  "Pray for me" were the words of Pope Francis at each venue.  YES!  We should all pray for one another as we pray for theocracy to guide us in this secular world.

#4160-4162::  The city of brotherly love embraces Pope Francis as he speaks to mostly hispanic immigrants.  So glad to have a good translator on EWTN to help us understand profound words. A cool, cloudy day is perfect for this outside speech.  I gather more words for tomorrow as I listen hard.
"Defend God's gift of the dignity of life at all stages."  AMEN!

#4163-4165:: Sunday seemed like summer as the fog lifted.  Just as Pope Francis spoke of working together at each venue, so Moses needed to discipline the Hebrew people to work together and stop their complaining and return to the worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob instead of false idols.  It seems we are back where the Hebrew people were with little focus on God.  Pope Francis

exhorted us to return to total focus on God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

#4166-4168:: Hubby and I are maintaining good health by visiting the doctor.  I wonder why we need to visit so many specialists just to make sure we are healthy.  We feel blessed that we are able to have health checkups.  Fall is embracing us nicely as we enjoy a full day of catching up on errands.

#4169-4171:: Swirl, spin, compute, complete, search, tap . . . as I complete endless paperwork but catch up nicely.
 I    B R E A T H E    deep at the end of the day feeling a sense of accomplishment.  Tomorrow I can rest my soul and drink in the presence of the Lord as I take more time to meditate on God's Word.

#4172-4174:: A wild end to the month with gushing, pushing, crushing rain that worked hard to enter our house though weak points.  Our little screened porch was battered but, after clean-up, all is well.  A calm, wet, gray day follows but a beautiful day to clean up the yard. God is so good!

AUGUST Awesomeness

New Life!  Hubby holds Ellie.

August IS awesome!
Another gorgeous day with just enough rain to enable me to sit back, relax and let God water my beautiful garden.
New life springs up as roses and day lilies bloom.
About the same time my brother was dying, new life is born to our nephew and his new wife.
Ellie is perfect!

Blessings continue as cicadas buzz through the day.
Let August begin with AWESOME!

#3988-#3990:: I love warmth, much to the chagrin of most of those who know me.  This is my 'happy' time to linger on the porch and sweat a little.  I catch up on Old Testament reading as I prepare for another Lord's day.  I breathe, reflect, make notes for my life, enjoy the moment.

These Hydrangeas were destroyed by the cold winter two years ago.
This year they are HUGE!  Love 'em!

#3991-3993:: The bread of life.  The Word of God.  So much more filling and lasts an eternity.  A beautiful day to visit our dear couple in skilled nursing.  It's her birthday.  Her hubby visits for the day and then is driven home.  A great celebration with family in her tiny room.

#3994-3996:: I dive into creating documents and relieve my mind of so many details.  Ahhhhh, feels good.  Love getting back into God's Word and digesting my 'daily bread.'  The garden calls me into the warmth of the day as sweet wind soothes my soul.

A friend had this in her blog.   Can any of us
go one whole day without computer, cell phone
 texting, whatever?  One day a week I take a break.
I love the mental silence. My brain BREATHES!

#3997-3999:: Hours on the phone making sure our insurance is up-to-date.  Mind boggling but such sweet relief that we are DONE with all this for a few more years.  Clean teeth and fine visit to dentist.
Last night's rain makes for easy time in the garden.  So beautiful!

#4000-4002:: WOW! Over the past three years I have found 4000 wonderful words to say about this world with which I connect.  Amazing!  Each new day brings another surprise.  Today I met with dear women who MAKE time to gather 1-2 times each month.  Just gathering together, much less the conversation, makes my month!  After hearing stories of 'life' after accidents, health issues, challenges, I am heartened that God made us so resilient, especially when we turn to Him daily.

The Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe had wheat growing in its
planters.  Perfect 'crop' for the summer.  Even the
most modern hotel is adobe. I continue to reflect
upon our brief visit so filled with blessings.

#4003-4005:: A cool, overcast day.  Perfect time in the garden tweaking buds, plucking HUGE weeds and finding just a few Japanese beetles.  I pray long and hard, contemplate, reflect, ask God what to write, wonder, teeter on "I can't do this" and then remember that the 'Bread of Life' is in me.  The Lord, Jesus Christ said, "I am the Bread of Life" . . . feed on me and I will fill you to overflowing.  I got overflowed with His goodness and was able to write words for Sunday.  AMEN!

#4006-4008:: Breezy and cool as we visit another MD - all ok.  Heart soars after last night's debate.  Most provided solutions instead of skirting around issues.  Carley glowed with crisp, clear solutions.  God is leading/guiding the decisions of those who truly care for this country.  In God We Trust.

#4009-4010::  Cool and breezy makes for few Japanese beetles today!  Time to read, reflect, chew on God's Word.  Nice!  Prep for the Lord's Day.  Words seem inadequate for the power of God's Word.

This has nothing to do with anything but when I saw
this tree in Santa Fe I smiled.  It reminded me that
this tree is alive, waving its needle covered
branches, and is speaking to me.

 Our Lord, the Bread of Life!  AMEN!

#4011-4012:: We digested hard words today.  Are we picky eaters?  Do we find excuses not to like certain passages in the bible that do not agree with our 'appetite'?  Do we say 'I'm not hungry' once too often so we get out of the habit of bible reading?  Do we 'pick' at another person's interpretation or meditation of God's Word instead of looking at the original passage of scripture?  Is it difficult to 'chew' as we age?  Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life.  Whoever chooses to consume ME will have eternal life."  It's hard to chew on scripture when the days are so full but I feel so healthy each day I do so.  Lord, keep my soul healthy with your presence in my life.

Dad is loosing his spunk at 100+
but still looks just as handsome as this
 picture.  He's sleeping loads, eating less
and disconnecting from the world.
Dad is definitely in God's hands right now.

#4013-4015:: "Cut it short", I said.  It's just the right length for a summer day.  I love the way my hair bounces so fresh and clean after a trip to my favorite hair cutter.  Now back to work to catch up on things I continue to put off until 'tomorrow.'  It's a perfect day to sit on the porch, let rain drops seep into parched gardens and reflect on scripture. Love it!

#4016-4018:: My brother shares details of his visit with dad to make sure he is getting good care . . .  its the best!  But, dad, over 100 yrs old, seems to be slipping away at one moment and rallying the next.  He so much wants to live as his body gives way to the pull of God's eternal hand on him.  We hope dad enjoys a few more months of life!

#4019-4021:: It felt right.  It was time!  I had the energy.
I did it!  I got rid of loads of clothes and shoes in my closet.
I've been wanting to do this for so long.  Feels SO GOOD!

LOVE my garden!

#4022-4024:: I write words of Eucharisteo for Sunday.  It's amazing, when guided by the Holy Spirit, how grateful I am to know that the bread of life keeps me full as long as I feed on the holy words of our Lord.  JOY is deep in the soul even when I feel hot and lazy on this summer day.  Eucharisteo!

#4025-4027:: Read, write, ponder, dig in, doodle, sweat  . . . praise God I am able to do these things on this hot day.  I pray for those who are struggling with illness or overwhelming challenges.  God is good, all the time . . .  but sometimes some of us enjoy more blessings than others. A good day!

These bloom everywhere:
From Santa Fe to Lancaster.
Love 'em!

#4028-4030:: Breathless, quiet, so still that I can hear the batting of butterfly wings.  Hubby and I learn movements that teach us to breathe deep and stretch those 'computer shoulders.'  Lazy lingering on the back porch as I rustle through papers and glean notebooks.  Nice.

#4031-4033:: I realize that I may one of few at church who knows the potential we all have in Christ to touch others with the power of God through Eucharisteos . . . thanksgivings.  In all things be grateful unto Him and bless His name.  Wouldn't that also pertain to informal gatherings at church?  The church should be a safe place for those who are challenged by the world?  I praise God that I can pray over the church and give praise and thanksgivings that point to God in Christ so that those who enter the church building, for any reason, may feel the loving touch of the Lord in their midst.

#4034-4036::  A grand adventure to Costco with a delicious chicken caesar salad in the same place!
Can't beat that.  We stock up on monthly supplies and pray for rain to break the heat.  A little cloud came late at night . . .  for 30 seconds!  Thank you, God, for 30 seconds of rain.  Now, can we have more?

I tried to capture a picture of the grasshoppers
I find in the garden this time of year.
This is the closest I've gotten.

#4037-4039:: Not a cloud in the sky, breathless air, soaker hoses work from sun-up for several hours to keep the garden blooming.  Brave flowers stand tall and tell the world, "our beauty will not wilt for we are strong and our roots are deep."  Oh how we need to tell ourselves the same words.  Our roots are deep in God's Word so that we can stand strong against the adversary.  Amen!

#4040-4042:: Wheeeee! A trip to Hershey was a delight! Beauty, blooms in baskets, and most important, CHOCOLATE!  How can anyone live very long without chocolate?  We tasted chocolate from all over the world and wandered in the

Perfection is not my garden.  This plush hotel must have
someone who waters this array each day.

Hershey Chocolate Museum for hours.  We needed a little adventure and this was perfect.  Weather was magnificent as fog rolled in to moisten parched plants.  Any rain is welcome.

#4043-4045:: Rain, rain and just a tad more rain . . . gently soaking into parched plant roots.  Just an hour but we are thankful for the little drips here and there.  A cloudy day brought more of this watery delight by the bucket.  We had a little lake in our normally dry valley behind our house.  A long conference call set the stage for the next several months of work.  Dad's voice was nice to hear.  God is Good!

#4046-4048:: Cool.  Smells so clean.  Plants, bugs and birds sing happy!  Storm clean up makes for a clean front walk.  Words on paper flow freely as I consider the 'choice' I make daily to follow Christ.  Since the beginning of God's creation we

Nestled in the middle of nowhere is a beautiful little church
surrounded by this cemetery.  It seems like a quiet place
during the week.
Take rest, ye souls who lived and breathed and made a
difference in your day.
You've earned this quiet place.

have been the gift of 'choice.'  Yet, even with Adam and Eve, each choice brings ramifications and responsibilities.  Joshua said, "Choose this day whom you will serve.  As for me and my household, I will serve the Lord."

#4049-4051:: B R E A T H E in the cool air of morning.  What a glorious day!  Great day to clean up the garden and saw dead limbs.  Love it! Time to pause, reflect, stretch the kinks out of my body, deslumping exercises!  WOW! What a difference.  Mind, body, soul . . . filled up to full today. Yes!

I love this cup created by Mary Engelbreit.
"It's good to be queen!"  AMEN

#4052-4054:: Just before he died (at age 110) Joshua said, "Choose this day whom you will serve.  As for me and my household, I will serve the Lord."
Because Joshua was so revered and because he spent years mentoring a vast number of leaders, they also made the choice to cling to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Jesus was sent to us by the Father to show us the blessing of making the same choice, to believe in the Son of God in order to live eternally.  Why would we choose otherwise when eternal life is LIFE forever!

#4055-4057:: Oh JOY! Two scheduled appointments were moved to another day.  I sit on the porch, feel the embrace of a warm breeze and drink in the sounds of cicadas and bull frogs and squeaky bird songs.  My soul begins to rest and   b r e a t h e    d e e e e e p.  It's good to feel like a 'queen,' when I sip tea from one of my favorite cups.

Words to remember on tough days.

#4058-4060:: Trust in the . . . stock market?
We rely so much on our surroundings for support that we get in a dither when a stock market in China plummets.  "Trust in the . . . Lord . . .  with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

The world has been tipped up-side-down the past decade and sometimes all we can do is trust and pray and keep moving forward with the Good News that Jesus Christ was sent by the Father so that His life, resurrected, would give us life.
Stock markets are fine but we never know their outcome.  Jesus Christ remains my focus because I always know His promised outcome for those who love and believe in Him.

#4061-4063:: Where does the time go?  Fresh air, cool breeze, sunny skies and the garden make time fly around here. Mentoring a fabulous employee is so fun because she picks up on new techniques quickly.  Oh to be young and quick and able to embrace new challenges . . . at least I am embracing new challenges with JOY!

It is not too often that we see black-capped amish women.
Most sects wear a white organdy cap, especially on Sundays.
We are still fascinated by all the variants of Amish dress.
These women linger a little longer as they walk home from a
full day of Sunday services and gatherings.

#4064-4066:: Piles to go before I finish, piles to go before I finish.  That's a 'take' on Robert Frost's poem, "Miles to go before I sleep."  Suddenly it is the end of the month and the beginning of another church year with all sorts of activities beginning soon.  Time to get my act together and look ahead several weeks.  I love the challenge but, as I said yesterday, I'm a bit slower in the learning curve.

#4067-4069:: I was surprised that I had a wool blanket over me this morning as it was just about 60 when I sat on our little porch.  The season is changing and I am not quite ready for the change.  Just like age, change creeps in 'on little cats' feet' [in reference to Robert Frost's poem, "fog creeps in on little cat's feet."]  The mind goes way back to my lingering days when I could pour over poetry while having plenty of time to enjoy daily scripture study.
 I now am S L O W E R but more steady perhaps?

I've always loved these words from
Mary Engelbreit.  Although I often
say 'I'm fine' when I am not, I
am actually truly undeniably
FINE!

#4070-4072::  The mind scatters everywhere as I wake.  I focus on first things first.  The mind calms, my imagination withers, I am back to earth.  Creativity went wild as I create new ideas for church school and the kids.  God is so good.  I breathe deeeeeeeep.  My soul is now at peace.

#4073-4075:: There are rules to follow and there is a 'rule' of life.  Rules, such as the ten commandments, are meant to draw us into closer relationship with God and our neighbor.  Human rules the Pharisees created becomes so arduous that their purpose drove people away from a tighter relationship with God and neighbor.  Rules are good but we need discernment to remember that loving God and our neighbor is priority.  Rules are meant to create discipline which frees us to look beyond our own small world.  Discerning good rules vs. arduous rules is so daily. . . but worth the challenge.

#4076-4078:: One 'rule of life' for me is keeping up entries in this blog.  This only comes after my daily prayer and study in God's Word.  Exercise is also part of my 'rule' of life, along with healthy meals.  A 'rule of life,' when it becomes a habit is so freeing.  I don't think about what to do first.  I find myself off balance if I miss one or two of these 'rules of life.'  God is so good that I pray I can maintain the 'rule' of asking for the Lord's guidance and presence in every decision I make. Nice!

So ends August!  Sigh.  Hot and dry but so
                    S U M M E R . . .  which I adore!

A calmness to live with Gratitude . . .  A Quiet JOY!  Mary Engelbreit could not have said it better.

JULY JOYS!

I love how this photo of my garden POPs with color and sparkle.

It's JULY!
Celebration month!
POP, Fizzle, clang, bang . .  .
Independence is worth celebrating.

Freedom is never free.
Perhaps we can remember all the privileges we have as citizens of this wonderful United States of America.

Let's celebrate our freedom.
Let's celebrate the gift of life!

#3893-3895:: A new month, a new day.  Prepping for a wonderful change in the Sunday worship service.  Hubby and I are seeing daylight after a pretty dark time last week.  Hugs all around!

#3896-3898:: click, clack, press, print . . . goes the computer keys as I reconstruct movements of the Sunday Liturgy.  Rite I was requested . . . after a fifteen year lapse.  Love it! Step back, wait, let others do the work as many offer to take over the admin role at church that was vacated.  We'll see what happens. Patience, humility and a little humor is in order here.

#3899-3901:: Sun shines in blue skies dappled with little white puffs that seem to hang like cotton balls strung on a line.  Birds chat incessantly as I sit quietly on my precious back porch.  I could live in this little spot if weather permitted.

#3902-3904:: Rain drops on windows, sloshy streets, muddy parks but fireworks are still slated.  Independence Day reigns!
Our infamous July 4th celebrations go on as this United States of America continues to be FREE.  God Bless America! In God We Trust!  No matter how this country's decisions go against God's will for us, God reigns.  God will never leave those who believe in Him. Praise God!

#3905-3907:: Sunday, Sunday . . . this is the day . . . when we all focus on worship, where we all

attend church . . . at least those who are not on vacation.  Sparse crowd but others worship elsewhere.
Sermon is on change.  Jesus 'changed' His vocation from carpenter to . . . focus on his divine vocation . . . touching lives with eternal hope and healing so lives would change . . . repent, return to God.  Nazarenes could not understand this 'Jesus' they once knew.  Do we understand?

#3908-3910:: Clang, buzz, chop goes the tree trimmer.  Hmmmmmm, chop, chop goes the lawn mower.  Whir, whiz, swoosh goes the neighbor's air conditioner.  Ah, summer days.  I seek silence but need to wait for the rain to come so that I can find 'quiet' on my porch.  Dig in the garden and find so many weeds! I think of the noises in my brain that refuse to calm down and the weeds of my life that need to let go of so many responsibilities.  These interruptive 'sounds' s trigger productive, life changing thoughts.  It's all good!

#3911-3913::Time out! Time to grab the sudsy water and catch Japanese beetles.  They are early this year and are devouring my beautiful rose bushes.  So not fair!  But I am just as tricky as these little bugs.  I place the cup under the rose and flip it - flip, flip, plunk go these pesky fiends.  Roses continue to bloom regardless of the appetite of these critters.  It's like my life.  I may be eaten by pesky challenges but I persevere as I seek the best way to live one day at a time.

#3914-3915:: Catch up, clear clutter, seek one document gone missing.  Computers are great but nothing beats time away from it.  A few more minutes and I'm into reading and writing with real paper in my hands and a real pen.  Then back to the garden to catch pesky bugs

that take away from nutrients for the bees.  I'm all for saving the bees.

#3916-3918:: Clip, clip, snip, snip . . . feels so good to get my hair cut.  There is something special about having someone else take care of me once in awhile.  Love it.  Ready for meetings tonight.  Maybe it will even not rain? HUGE storm passed through as we made decisions in a cozy, cool space.

#3919-3921:: Cards and notes and prayers - so sweet.  I tell a few that my brother died and I receive so many heart-felt wishes.  Thanks, world, for remaining so connected! Makes my heart go pitty-pat as I continue to grieve.

#3922-3924:: Crisp, dry, bright, cool, breezy . . . can't ask for a better day to be in the garden.  A morning meeting and words for tomorrow are squeezed within a perfectly wonderful day.   I so love summer.  God's hand is everywhere as I smell roses, collect Japanese Beetles, linger in the sunshine and simply enjoy the day.

#3925-3927:: Early up, easy drive to church.  New service format was well liked.  Summer means simple so this is good.  A pastoral visit was filled with laughter.  Better health makes for a light spirit.
Dry, breezy evening greets us after a very long day.  Enjoyed the garden as I fed the rose bushes.

#3928-3930:: Thick, muggy air greets me in the garden.  Refreshing.  Plop, pick scoop, dump . . . used up lettuce plants we used for salads. YUM! We start again with a new batch in a week or two.  Organize, pack, prep for our trip to be with family.

#3931-3933:: Dark up, as Amish would say.  Sun rises as we board the plane. An easy day of planes and automobiles to find destination one.

#3934-3936:: Oooooh and Ahhhhh as we see brother's new home and enjoy a few sights where they live.  The indian pueblo is fascinating.  Moist days invite us into shades of green rather than the usual shades of brown. Brother and wife were the hosts with the most as we were pampered each day.

We enjoyed walking inside this "condo complex" that
 native indians created centuries ago.  Amazing architecture.

#3937-3939:: Miles to go before we sleep (Frost) as we meander down I-25 and detour to Taos via every tiny village of 2-3 homes.  Scenic beauty beyond our eastern scope.  FUN!

#3940-3942:: Santa Fe is a sweet place filled with adobe everywhere.  Holy Faith.  St. Francis church is the focal point of the town.  Primitive beauty draws the soul to God in this holy spot filled with silent tourists who honor God's presence in this space.

#3943-3945:: A sweet time visiting with

A fuzzy picture of the center of Santa Fe (Holy Faith)
The patron saint of Santa Fe is Saint Francis, of course.
The Cathedral of St. Francis is a beautiful retreat that
 hubby and I enjoyed each day we were in the city.

my deceased brother's dear friends.  Listened, affirmed, listened some more.  Amazing variety of photographers with depth and vast world travels.  Exhausted but filled full with memories of my eldest brother.

#3946-3948:: Sunday is a day for the Lord but our tour guide, my other bother, wanted to get on the road.  Five hours later we were dining at the Bee Restaurant at the Broadmoar Hotel.  A delight.  The museum of old carriages and race cars was fascinating.  Back to brother's house to repack, regroup, and enjoy their digs.

#3949-3951:: A few adventures before brother drove us to Denver to see the newest addition to the family.  Seeing my nephew and his wife was an added blessing.  Ellie was born a month early in June.  She is actually, growth-wise, about 2 weeks old.  Holding her reminded us of God's incredible ingenuity in creating life.  Thank you God!

My newest great niece is now a joy to hold.
My proud brother is finally a grandpa!

#3952-3954:: 4am wake-up but right near the airport.  Full day of flying that was easy and peaceful.  Early home.  Groceries, mail, unpacking, oh my!  And then . .  .  hundreds of Japanese beetles have eaten our rose bushes.  My handy-dandy container of water and suds and a flick of the branches and voila . . .  about 300 in the container. Another hundred got away.  Feel good!

#3955-3957:: Early up, as we have been doing for days.  This time we are adjusting to the difference in time.  More chores, more Japanese beetles to flick into my container.  Not many left.  Loads of mail (both snail and computer).  And this blog.  Oh My!  So behind.  Made wonderful memories.

Miraculous staircase to the choir loft of this
tiny church was built with no rails.
It has only wooden nails and the wood,
studied by the finest scientists,
 cannot be named. God's hand was
 in this majestic creation.

#3958-3960:: Early up to have blood tests.  Wellness is our focus.  Fond memories of family float through my head as my soul soars with JOY in the beauty of God's creation.  The Garden calls my name.  I'm in another world today.

#3961-3963:: I ponder King David's life.  He has so much but he wanted more.
"What's yours is mine and what's mine is mine" seems to be the word of the day for David.  This selfish action continues to this day.
Some selfish souls seem to be the thorn in the side of those who are willing to give if the need is there.
We met so many on our trip who wanted to give their insights and encouragement just for the sake of being kind and generous.
So refreshing.  Hubby and I are blessed.

#3964-3966:: A day to regroup, garden, study and catch up.  Feeling sloggy and tired.  It's a good thing.  Have not felt so relaxed in months.  NICE.

Station of the Cross at the Santa Fe Basilica
of Saint Francis of Assisi

#3967-3969:: I called my 100 year old dad and was surprised to here he could not see.  Conjunctivitis = Pink Eye!.  Poor guy still has a sense of humor but was not his usual positive guy.  I wonder how I would be in that situation, especially if I had a substitute helper who had no idea what to do.  He is in good hands with meds but still can't see.  I pray for quick healing for him.

#3970-3972:: It is great to be back with the congregation.  Bible study conversation included God's provision, "Soul Food."  Beautiful day to visit a dear couple, now separated due to ill health. One is in a nursing home and the other is in hospital. I wonder about my own life journey.  Am I prepared to simply have Jesus at my side and no one else? I need to practice God's provision, daily soul food, so that I am satisfied in all circumstances.

#3973-3975::  Early up, as the Amish say.  MD and I review all the tests.  My heart is sad.  All my hard work to naturally bring change to my body provides only loss of weight (always welcome).

A story of the saints greets us in a side chapel.
Ceiling painted in bright, traditional designs.
Of course, I did not take a picture of the
most amazing ceiling ever!

 Breathe deep, focus on the moment, keep moving forward with eyes on the Lord.

#3976-3978:: My head swirls with 'awake' at 2am.  Enjoy some bible study for one hour then sleep until morning.  Fog envelopes the house and gardens.  We're in a cool, wet cloud!  Perfect moment to clean the garden.  Nearly four hours later and three bags filled, feel SO GOOD!  After a shower it's time to get some 'real' work done.  Nothing beats spending time in the garden. L O V E   I T !!!!

#3979-3981::  Shop till we drop!  Cupboards were bare after three weeks so we filled them up with fresh produce from our neighborhood farm.  YUM!  Healthy salad, time in the garden, several hours of study - God is good!

Farm fresh produce.  Always a good thing.

#3982-3984:: Reflecting on chat with my brother.  Dad is on the 'edge' of this world but may decide to hang around for a little while?  'Just-in-case' decisions must be made.  First my oldest brother dies and now dad may be next, or not.  None of us know when it's our time to leave this world.  I praise God that I know, for sure, without a doubt, that I will be singing with the angels when I die . . . perhaps in the back row but I'll be there!  I know the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me and that's a good feeling.

#3985-3987:: TGIF?  Thank the Good Lord it is Friday?  It just happens to be the end of July.  I'm sad to leave my most favorite month.  Garden gleams, God's word is in my heart, Good stuff to come.

JUNE JUBULATIONS!

It seems like forever before June arrived and then, suddenly, out of nowhere, it is HERE!

Our lovely little church in the summer.

How did that happen?
June: early sunrises, warm days, bursting blooms, gentle rains, all GOOD!
I look forward to slower days, more time to linger on my little porch and breathing space.
So far it looks like this will have to wait a little longer but I am not complaining.

#3807-3809:: Soaking rain last night makes for a happy garden.  Gray skies, cool and humid, is not all bad.  Catch up on loads of scripture reading which fills my soul.  Now to prep for tomorrow so that others can do their work.  Nice, easy pace.

Duck, duck, gray duck . . . just one more duck!

#3810-3812:: Cool sprinkles turn to a steady stream of wet as I watch our local fire department rescue some baby ducks that fell through a grate.  These brave men persevere to the tenth duck who is not too willing to exit the storm drain as it sits between the two exits.  I reward myself with wonderful pictures and a nice cup of tea as I warm myself after an hour in the rain.  Save a duck. Get news of a new great grand niece!  What a day!

Ellie Sierra is a month early!  She looks like she is ready to
see the world just a few hours later.  New Life!
So important at a time my sibling is loosing life.

#3813-3815:: If I knew better I'd think I was in Seattle.  Cold, clammy, rain drops remain in the clouds for now.  Great 'duck' memories as I drive to meetings that are fruitful and enjoyable.  I call it a day at 5pm only to remember that I have another important meeting.  This is a fun one that engages another side of me and lets me enjoy a few fluffy moments.

#3816-3818:: Water bottle, top pops, water spills, entire contents of book bag soaked, listen to phone - sizzle, sizzle, sizzle.  Towels soak water, air-dry date book, all else is good.  Early to store, new phone, next to meeting, lots to discuss, hours later . . . home, sweet, home.

#3819-3821:: Words spill out faster than I can type.  I am excited about the message.  "N" stands for

Hubby and I wear our button
pins as often as possible.

Nazarine.  Jesus was a Nazarine.  The arabic letter for "N" is painted on homes of Christians in Syria and Iraq.  They have a choice to denounce Jesus as Lord, pay a tax to ISIS that will make them destitute or be killed.  Do we Christians dare to wear the arabic letter for "N"?

#3822-3824::  Early up.  People already mill around the neighborhood for the annual garage sale.  I think a quick walk to see friends and treasures ends up taking five hours!  Nice to catch up with everyone's lives.  Laundry, prepare for tomorrow, slow down, breathe, early to bed.

#3825-3827:: Hubby is sick again so I travel alone this early morning.  Not

If you read the letters on the far left, you will see the arabic letter "N"
To make sure the world knows, a red circle with "N" inside is an
ugly distraction on a lovely wall of a home.

quite alone as the lines of cars amaze me.  Where is everyone going at 0-dark-hundred (but really nice and light out) on a Sunday morning?  Vacation!  I make good time and arrive early to chat with a faithful one.  The luxury we have to worship as we please without the threat of death.

#3828-3830:: Yesterday we all opened our eyes to the threat to Christians in Syria and Iraq.  Hubby searches for the button pins we can give to church members.  Just as sympathizers wore the Jewish star during WWII, we all can war the pin with the arabic letter 'nun' = Nazarene = Christian.  They are becoming popular but wait until we wear them.  Are we ready to tell our own story of what Christ Jesus means to us in our daily life?

Allium pops out in crazy places.
The pop of color against green is a sweet delight.

#3831-3833:: Tap, tap, tap go the keys on my computer.  Two days of writing requirements, task lists, process instructions.  Time to flip, flap, flop, fold, fill, file13 reams of paper that can be recycled - into a park bench perhaps?  (oops, that's recycled plastic)  With all the e-files I can accommodate on my computer, how on earth have I accumulated so much paper?  I  B. R. E. A. T. H. E in new life with wondrous S. P. A. C. E in my office!

#3834-3836:: A cool breezy day with a noon picnic meeting.  Nice.  BBQ and home grown salad makings.  Off to a hospital visit and then a special time of celebration with hubby as we walk through majestic gardens.  lingering at the Italian fountains and wandering through a place I

The little 'front' garden is a JOY to my heart.

would love to sip tea (if it were served) and feasting the eyes on wild rose arches.  Bliss to the senses.

#3837-3839:: Twenty-six years, oh my!  Our wedding anniversary!  A friend's birthday lunch.  A very long evening meeting.  Glad hubby and I celebrated yesterday.  Home so late that we barely breathed deep before midnight.  A measured day allowed us to embrace time to reflect upon all our blessings.

#3840-3842:: Great day to stay inside but love my little porch.  Decided to enjoy the hot, humid day as beads of moisture enveloped me. It's Summer!  Revise, re-work, reflect, as I finish up edits from a collaboration of thoughts.  Chores blend in nicely throughout the day as I get my 'ducks in a row.'

#3843-3845::  Type, re-type, re-think, pray, re-think again.  Words seem a jumble.  A tiny mustard

Formal gardens show off arches of wild roses.
I love wandering these acres of garden rooms.

seed looks like it cannot possibly grow into a huge bush.  God's creativity has the entire DNA of the mustard bush in that itty bitty seed.  A seed planted in good soil and nurtured can grow strong and healthy and bloom!  A tiny baby, when fed and nurtured and given the Spirit of God, can bloom and bear fruit that touches the world.

#3846-3847:: The little one is baptized today.  She is filled with the Holy Spirit that has been called into the water of baptism and is anointed with the oil of Chrism and 'sealed as Christ's own forever."
This is a sacrament in our church . . .  a very holy event.  This child has all she needs within her.  Now it is our responsibility to nurture her soul and

I love the whimsy of these 'green' designs.

love her as Christ loved the church.  'Jesus knows us, this we love."

#3848-3850:: Scribble, scribble, ponder, pray as I reflect upon my daily scripture readings.  Humid, hot, breezy enough to enjoy pulling a few weeds.  Sweet hubby takes an old nest down from our porch rafter and helps clean it nice and new.  A massage I've needed for weeks greets me at the end of the day.  A well paced day makes for a sweet spirit.

#3851-3853:: I linger in 1 Samuel as the life of Hannah engulfs me.  Pleading to God to be able to bear a child . . . and God gives her Samuel . . . who, when he is weaned is 'loaned' to God . . .  for the rest of his life.  He grows up with the temple priest, Eli but does not even know God nor is he aware of God's word when God calls him.  He hears God's voice but Eli never taught him the depth of is own salvation history.  How do we tell the precious ones we nurture about faith in God and the wonders of

The wound of loss tears at my soul.
Only God can heal the space that
is being torn away by my sibling's death.

being filled with the Holy Spirit through baptism?  God can woo those to Himself without us but what joy we bring to our relationship with God when our love for Him spills over into another's life.

#3852-3853:: A tough meeting actually went well.  A pastoral care visit was sweet and smooth. The incredible amount of driving took us through amazing farms and open landscapes and into sweet towns and beauty everywhere and sun and good weather.  But, tears flow as I listen to news about my brother on the phone.  He's fought hard, lived a great life and now ebbs out of this world into the hands of God.  I breathe deep and keep wiping the tears that are inevitable when 'liminal' becomes 'end.'   But he is only beginning a new and wonderful journey . . . any day now.  How does joy pierce through the aching heart?  God only knows . . .  and He does know.

#3854-3856:: We hurt today - brother and sisters.  Part of us, part of the family I have known for decades is slipping away

We all could love and hug him just a few months ago
at dad's 100th birthday.... we felt his bones and wondered.

from us.  The messages are more frequent . . .  not much time left.  We've all talked to him, made our peace.  But my soul and spirit are hurting.  My own vulnerability is brought to mind.  I am not young.  Do I grieve all life that ebbs away from this earth.  Yet, I also rejoice that my soul is everlastingly with the Lord.  I have resurrected life!  Goodness and mercy abide with me as I cling to the Vine - my Lord.  So I go slow, take extra moments to reflect, take extra care of my body and soul, and know that these are precious moments as we continue in vigil as my brother sinks more deeply into God's presence.

This picture was part of an email I received.
He makes me laugh!
Here ye, Hear ye!!!!!
His riot of color makes a statement
. . .  as he hollers a statement!

#3857-3859:: We wait 'vigil' as brother slips in and out of this world.  Off all meds and no dialysis actually made him alert today.  He was able to hear the words I wrote as I reflected on the book of photos he published a few years ago.  From his bed at home he looks out upon a beautiful, shimmering, summery day.  Nice.

#3860-3862:: Damp and moody skies press shafts of wind through my little porch.  Ohhhhh, the smells of farmer adding 'nutrients' to the land.  Pungent, earthy, farm smells.  I'm actually getting use to it.  I read, mark, learn and inwardly digest e-commentaries written by one I've met.  I am affirmed in my study as I learn a few new things.  My dying brother is still hanging in there.  A good day.

#3862-3865:: The Battle belongs to the Lord.  It's a resounding verse in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel.  We are called to pray and through that prayer God will give us provision and protection against the enemy, even if it is simply a wise affirmation.  David won the battle only because he called upon his Father in heaven to lead, guide, and be at David's side.  As FATHERS celebrate this special day, I pray they know that, through prayer, the battles of life that impede provision and protection of their families are in God's hands.

Herbs at night. I'm surprised I got the shot.
A lively corner of our little screened-in porch.

#3866-3868:: Read, mark, learn . . . commentaries for Exodus.  Great perspective. Study day on back porch is lovely.  Warm but breezy.  Chirp, chirp, flit, fly, hop, stop go the birds and bunnies in the back yard.  Garden is gorgeous and gets a wonderful drink every few days from rainy evenings. Love it.

#3869-3871:: HOT! but I so love this weather as I linger on the porch until it is time to attend a meeting.  Summer is a delight to my soul!  Ahhhhh, the days may shorten but I linger longer each day into the night as porch lights sparkle on my little porch-garden.

#3872-3874::  Life goes on.  Brother lingers on this side of the heavens.  Tornado-like storm last night brings cool air and little damage here.  Reams of papers to insure our little abode are finally signed and sent.  Notes written, packages wrapped, details for Saturday's wedding finalized.  Now a moment to decompress and linger a little in my favorite spot: the porch!  Hooray!

#3875-3877::  Happy Birthday to dear sister. I

The garden always revives my soul.

pray she had a joy-filled day.  I prayed he would wait one more day but my brother passed into the Lord's arms this evening.  Words come slowly as I write of God's perfect healing while knowing so many have died just because they are Christian.  Perfect healing is simply knowing deep in my soul that being one with God through his Son will keep my soul 'alive in him' for eternity.  It seems hard when death and evil linger so closely with dear souls whose bodies are no longer with us on this earth.  REJOICE in the Lord, always.  Again I say rejoice!  God's Son died so that all who believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ might never feel the sting of death.

#3876-3878:: I feel numb, groggy, in a cloud of peace as I grieve.  Joy comes deep from the heart as I hurt.  He is at peace.  I now move on to rehearse for a wedding: marriage - union between a man and a woman who love each other and have invited the Lord, thy God, into the midst of this union.  The bride became a citizen today so they are one hour late for rehearsal.  We accomplish little but we celebrate!!!  Crazy, fun, swirls of excitement.

This seems odd but we have so many cows in our area.
Cows forever need to be milked, no matter what happens.
It's like life.  Time ticks by, life does not stop.
We live life until we are called to be with our Father.

#3879-3881:: Morning wedding.  All is ready.  Bride gets to church just in time to change and join her love in marriage.  Papa is lost!  Hold the wedding.  Find Papa, who is from another state and has no map and few directions.  Ahhhhh, someone drives to Papa (with flower girl and ring bearer) and guides them to the church.  Beautiful music pleases the waiting crowd that fills the church.  A grand celebration with two strands coming together.  The third strand, God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, binds them together as they twist together on this new life-journey.  CELEBRATE!!! Even the drenching rain cannot stop the JOY we all feel.

#3882-3884:: Early awake for a full day of celebrating Christ Jesus.  Jesus heals to bring us back into the presence of the Father.  It's that 'connection' with God that is so difficult when we have doubt or unforgiveness.  Healing of the soul, daily, is the we continue to connect with the Lord.  A day filled with challenges and a pastoral visit to a church member who is in the hospital.  Prayers, praise, peace.
Good end to a very wild day.

This is my drawing from an old print.
It shows the vulnerability of a woman's heart.
My heart keeps ticking but it is on overload
right now.  As you can see, there is much
LIFE going on in this heart.

#3885-3887:: A bit of a break before we return to church to prepare our message for the kids at The Point, a fabulous place for at-risk kids to have dinner, play, learn and feel the embrace of the Lord.  Our church had too much food but all really enjoyed the nutritious meal.  We even had help from a neighbor church who steps in with tremendous help serving the meal.  We had so much fun with the kids as they listed they ways Jesus loves us and the ways we, then, can love one another. John 13:34.

#3888-3890:: Administrative details are rolling around in front of me as I regroup from the marathon last four days.  A few glitches need to be worked out but we are looking at some future changes at church - all good.  God is leading us.  Oh JOY!  I totally lean on the Lord this week. Thank you, God!

#3891-3892::  The last day of JUNE!  Lingering days have sped by too fast to capture.  Each moment is a celebration of life.  More rain than we can manage.  No need to water the flowers bursting forth.  Beautiful!
A great end to a challenging month.