Thus far we have had a great summer!! It's been busy with a beach trip to our great friend Suzanne (whom is more like a little sister to me and a fabulous aunt to my children). We've planted a large garden this year and some things only provided a few meals like our green beans and squash but our cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon have been abundant. Peppers have been steady and half of the herbs I planted are "happy". We've done some school, a little sewing, a little visiting (Kathy & Chuck in NC, Fran & Mike, Brian's family), lots of reading, some canning and some relaxing at the Y by the pool with great friends. The kiddos have been able to spend a good bit of time with their local cousins (and Aunt Sandi & Uncle Wendell) whom they love and their Nana & Grandy Randy on a regular basis. We've all been getting to know folks better at Kiokee and settling into a routine at the new church. We've been making new friends along the way as well and doing our best to make time for our old friends whom we love. My father has been recovering well from heart surgery and I hope to visit more this summer with he and Nit and Aunt Edna & Uncle Chuck. The older boys have gone to Youth camp and 2 more kiddos are going to camp next week. It's gone fast but not so fast that we haven't been able to enjoy each day. I always wish I could spend more times with friends and family than I have time to spare but am trying better to "schedule" time together on a regular basis.
We're listening to the Focus on the Family Narnia Radio Series as we travel and are up to the "The Silver Chair". A great quote from the book that has grabbed me is the following:
We're listening to the Focus on the Family Narnia Radio Series as we travel and are up to the "The Silver Chair". A great quote from the book that has grabbed me is the following:
"Doubtless," said the Prince, "This signifies that Aslan will be our good lord, whether he means us to live or die. And all's one, for that. Now, by my counsel, we shall all kneel and kiss his likeness, and then ... all shake hands one with another, as true friends that may shortly be parted. And then, let us descend into the City and take the adventure that is sent us."
That little quote spoke volumes to me. From the beginning, that as Christians we may have differences but there is unity in whom we believe Christ is and that He's our Lord. That we will follow Jesus whether it means life or death. That we are to worship Him and become His likeness due to our intimacy and then we shall journey into the world on a great adventure of capturing it for Christ. Ahhh, I just love it. I'll probably chew on it for days.
We've celebrated summer birthdays (Praise, Grace Anne, Michael) and soon to celebrate my and Timothy's birthday in August. We've just been trying to enjoy life together, capture each moment for Christ, refresh ourselves before the school year fully begins again and to live well. One most be purposeful not to get distracted by the cares of the world and to live each day to the fullest. It's a rare day I can complete every task I want to accomplish but I'm purposing to enjoy my husband, my children and grandchildren, my friends and to laugh a lot. In a big family, there are so many opportunities at laughter and I'm blessed to be able to enjoy great laughs daily even many at my own expense (like the day I got a goose egg getting into the truck...that's a story for another post, lol). "You have put more joy in my heart then they have when their grain and their wine abound" Psalm 4:7
