I’m sitting here enjoying a soothing hot cup of chamomile tea, with a touch of honey, and thinking over the last couple of days.  Sunday started out sunny, and a bit warm … normal for a June day.  We went to an early morning class at church, which we recently started in, called  ‘A More Excellent Way’.  It’s a biblical perspective on health and healing.  Very insightful.  I’m looking forward to next week’s class.  We had a blessed time of worship … and a teaching by DeVern Fromke … he’s been to our church many times in the past, and we always enjoy him.  Some of you may have heard of him.  He’s written about 10 books … all well worth the read.  If interested, you can see his bio, and the book titles here.  You can click on each book for a brief summary.  We’ve been so blessed by the wisdom God has given him, and we’ve also read the children’s books that he wrote to Ian during his younger homeschool years.  He really enjoyed those … there are many wonderful lessons to be learned on those pages.  Also, our pastor’s daughter had her baby this past week, and there was a baby dedication at church!  I love those!  She was wearing a little gown that belonged to our pastor’s mother.  It was about 80 years old!  A pretty soft pink gown, that had apparently been very well preserved through the years.  It was long, with delicate white lace around the bottom edge, and collar … I knew I should have taken the camera!  It was such a special morning at church … His presence was so sweet. 

Our family plans for the afternoon had changed that morning … Lindsey, our niece who just had her little girl, is having some post delivery problems, and wasn’t able to make the dinner.  Also. both Mom Betty, and O.P., weren’t up to the trip, or company either, that day.  Neither one was feeling well, so our ‘Father’s Day’ plans may be put on hold until next Sunday.  We’re praying Dad will be better soon … he was quite weak when my husband saw him yesterday afternoon … we’re concerned … prayers are needed.  

Well, after finding our Sunday afternoon free, some friends asked us to join them for a bite to eat.  We went, and had a good time together … we ate a wonderful Italian meal.  It was strange that there wasn’t a wait at the restaurant … usually on Mother’s and Father’s Day, there’s at least a 2 hour wait for a table.  Must be the $4.15 per gallon of gas around here these days!  We at least saved for this day in advance, just in case things didn’t work out with the family.  After dinner, we ran some errands, and saw a sign that read 93* … it was nice to finally get home and into the air conditioning.  Later in the afternoon, more storms came through … there were some high winds, and some areas did lose electricity, but again, God protected us.  All in all, we had a blessed Father’s Day. 

Ian had called us Saturday night, and we were able to see him on the webcam … in his kitchen!  He was playing ‘chef’, and cooking an Italian casserole that I always made for him … one of his favorites.  He said he’d keep it warm if we wanted to come over for a bite!    Wish we could have … but it was such a blessing to see, and talk with him even on the computer … it made this ’momma’s heart’ pretty happy, and it also made him seem a little closer to home!  Lewis, of course, enjoyed spending some time with his one and only son, too!  He called again Sunday night just to see what I was doing.    He was going out with some college friends from church for dinner … 60 friends, to be exact   … oh, those poor waiters and waitresses … that’s such a big group!  He said they do it every once in awhile, and really enjoy themselves.  He also told us they were seeing the ash from the fires now … and it looked like light snow falling.  They apparently haven’t gotten all the fires out yet, so we continue to pray.  

And finally, yesterday was beautiful here … clear blue skies, a gentle breeze, and cool temperatures.  I enjoyed sitting in the warm sun, with my iced green tea, listening to the birds, and reading.  I took my cat out with me … he enjoyed the sunshine as well … I enjoyed his company!   I even got a bit of a sunburn … the sun felt so good, especially after all of the gray days, and storms, we’ve had lately.  Well, that’s about it for the weekend, and my Monday.  I’ll be around to catch up with you soon, and if you would, do stop in over at iliveinmycamera, and vote for your favorite ‘close-up’ … I have one entered this week, and there are lot’s of very good photos there to choose from.  And, do let me know how your weekend was!   

Hugs,
                 ~ Deborah <><

It is the consciousness of the threefold joy of the Lord, His joy in ransoming us,
His joy in dwelling within us as our Saviour and Power for fruitbearing,
and His joy in possessing us as His Bride and His delight;
it is the consciousness of this joy which is our real strength.
Our joy in Him may be a fluctuating thing: His joy in us knows no change.
- James Hudson Taylor -



A SONG IN MY HEART

Thank You for those times, LORD,
when You lead me to the mountain to rejoice …
Those times You give my heart a song,
my happiness a voice.

I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:18