Here it is Wednesday already...this week , like these clouds above, seems to be flying by right before my eyes! First of all, let me say thank you to all of you who have been praying for our pastor and our church this week. Your thoughtful words and heartfelt prayers have truly meant a lot to all of us. By way of an update, the only news I have is that our pastor is at home, resting and recuperating. The tests seemed to be inconclusive at this time, and I'm not sure exactly what the diagnosis is, however he is still weak and unable to be out and about. Therefore, your continued prayers are very much appreciated. On a personal note, I would also like to request prayer for my husband, who will be filling the pulpit this Sunday in our pastor's absence. He is happy to be able to minister in this capacity, but it has been awhile since he's done much preaching, so prayers are always appreciated. May the Lord be glorified in all that is said and done. Amen.
On another note, our Friday Foto Friends group will not be gathering each week as before over at our friend Deb's Place at Breathing in Grace. Debbie needs to take a little break due to pressing family needs, which we all understand. I don't know if any of our group will take up the mantle and be the hostess for this group. I haven't heard if anyone is...and I don't feel like I can be dependable enough right now to take that on, so I guess we are on our own to do our own thing with photos. Since that is a large part of my blogging, I will continue to post pictures from around my world as often as I can. I hope others will also continue to do that. I just noticed as I was scrolling through my blog friends' list that I am a bit behind in reading everyone's posts since last Friday...can this week have already gotten so far away from me? I apologize friends...it's just been a bit busy.
Saturday we celebrated my hubby's birthday with a gathering of friends and family here at our house.
The Birthday Boy...Yes...He had to wear the ceremonial birthday hat when he blew out his candles...it's a family tradition!
As most of you know, we are also trying to sell our house. Well, about an hour before my guests were to arrive for lunch, I received a phone call from our realtor asking if they could show the house at 12:30. I thought to myself, "Where have you been all these weeks when I had nothing going on?" But I cheerfully said, "Well, of course! Just so they don't mind that there will be a large group of people here at that time sitting down to dinner! The more the merrier!"
Our family and friends gathered together
So, just as the family sat down at the table to eat, the realtor and prospective buyers drove into the driveway. I went out and greeted them, invited them to join us for lunch, (which they declined), and got them started on their tour of the house and grounds. After showing them around and answering their questions, they piled back into their vehicles and took off, and I rejoined our group and finally sat down to eat. We haven't heard a word from them or the realtor since...so I guess we didn't make that great of an impression. Maybe they don't like crowds. Oh well. When the time is right, the right people will show up and love this house...and everything about it!! Until then, we will keep carrying on and enjoying doing what we do here...which is called, living.
Speaking of living and birthdays...last night we celebrated the 90th birthday of one of our dear choir members at church... Here's Earl, surprised and happy that so many showed up to celebrate his birthday!
Such a beautiful and delicious cake!! Sadly, Earl is getting ready to move back up north soon, to be with his family as he is pretty much alone down here, except for his church family. 90 years old is a time when one really should be closer to loved ones, don't you agree? He's sad about leaving, but I think he realizes it is for the best. We will miss him.
Speaking of family, this morning we took a little ride up to our son and daughter in law's house. My son wanted me to see how beautifully their flowers are growing in their yard! This is a high-fragrance camellia...the bush was just loaded with beautiful, fragrant blooms! They reminded me of peonies.
This is one of the rose bushes my son bought for his lovely wife for Valentine's day...
And this is the other one. Her name is Rose, and she loves roses, so giving her rosebushes makes wonderful sense to me!! Why buy cut roses that will only die in a day or two, when you can grow your own beautiful roses that will bloom many times for years to come?
And this was really special...they have a lovely navel orange tree, and it is loaded with blossoms! I wish you could smell these flowers! Wow!! They were so pretty and fragrant!!
Okay folks, I guess that is all for now.
Here's a few words of praise from Psalm 116, which we read this morning in our time of devotions:
1. "I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.
2. Because He has inclined His ear to me,
therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3. The pains of death surrounded me,
and the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
4. Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
"O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"
5. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
6. The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
7. Return to your rest, O my soul,
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8. For You have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
and my feet from falling.
9. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
16. O Lord, truly I am Your servant;
I am Your servant, the (daughter) son of Your maidservant;
You have loosed my bonds.
17. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and will call upon the name of the Lord.
18. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
19. In the courts of the Lord's house,
In the midst of you,
O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!"
Have a blessed week, my friends!!
