Celebrating 50 years

 Last weekend our church celebrated "50 Years of Grace." The whole weekend had events for people to connect and re-kindle relationships. This couple (who pastored the church back in the 80's) drove thousands of miles to be with us.

In the background is our founding pastor and in the foreground his daughter played a lovely piano medley of songs with the theme of grace.

 We were so thankful that our forner visitation pastor and his wife could join us on Sunday morning. Pastor Henry is now 94, but still blessing us with his strong testimony of faith.

 former Pastor Dave and his family were able to come back...

 also Pastor Paul and his whole family.

 Lots of good memories!

 Our newest pastor and his wife

 Sunday afternoon we held a picnic in a nearby park. Lots of visiting and also tons of good food.

 There were plenty of games, including a soft ball game that young and old played...

 and a pie-eating contest!

 Everybody enjoyed the show!

 Yummy cherry pie!

 Every sticky face was a winner!

It was such a wonderful weekend of relationship building. We praise God for 50 years of grace!

Oh the fun!

Yesterday we had a visit from our grand-girls and their parents. And oh the fun we had!

Poppi and his little girls

K is starting to sit just like her Uncle Jamie did when he was little!

Daddy had time for some reading, and mommy went for a run!

Nana and K worked on a "turkey" project!

Sisters

This little girl loves all the action in the exersaucer

Daddy and daughter both have the tongue action!

Thanks for the fun visit kids!

A Touch of Fall

 Even though we do not have the fall season here that I love and am used to, I have been blessed this year with a "changing of the leaves" at the new building that I work in. Planted all around our parking ramp are these trees that certainly look like a Maple tree that has been adapted to our climate here. Every day that I come to work, I admire the beauty of the changing colors and vow to take the time to snap a picture.

 Today was the day for the photo shoot!

 Each year, it is a tradition at our work place to decorate a pumpkin and then have a contest to see which pumpkin wins the most votes from the patients who wait in the lobby for their appointments. Since I now work in a new department, there were fewer displays, but such cute ones this year...like Mr M&M...

 ...and Nemo

 ...and our entry: Ms Scarecrow

And my favorite: the breast cancer survivor! It's been a fun week! We'll see who wins tomorrow...

visits from little girls

This sweet little one LOVES mangos! She might be a picky eater in other areas, but not mango!

I love this picture because not only does it show the delight of Poppi and his grand-daughter, but also the delight of dad!

Developing her computer skills....

A great threesome!

Every little person loves the African hat.

K loves butterflies, and on a recent visit we found a real one in the grass. I love the awe of little ones!

"tea party" of one

It's so fun to see this little girl so active and mobile...

...and she is so ticklish!

We love those sweet little girls!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today my father turned 89 years old.

It is incredible to think of all the changes that Dad has been through in his lifetime. I am so thankful that he has been able to see most of his grandchildren get married and now to meet most of his great grandchildren. It blesses my heart to see him hold those little ones in his strong hands.

Today I celebrate your life, Dad. I celebrate the strong faith that you have in the Lord Jesus, a faith that has sustained you through the good times and the bad. A faith that still stands firm, even though the body is aging. A faith that will carry you through to the joys of heaven.

I celebrate my father's character--of a life that has been lived as an expression of God's grace and mercy, of a life that seeks justice and righteousness and yet is molded by a heart that is tender. A life that is directed by a love for and an obedience to God's Word.
Today I celebrate my father and his motto: one day at a time.
This morning as I prayed for Dad, I was reminded of a song that he so often sings. Then when I called this afternoon to wish him "Happy Birthday" he spontaneously sang it to me,
"One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking from You.
Just give me the strength to do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone, Sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, help me today, show me the way,
One day at a time."
Happy 89th Birthday, Dad. We love you!