So, I've been busy... Well, not super busy. Since it is summer, and I'm mostly at home, like all the time, there hasn't been too much to share. I haven't really been thinking up any deep thoughts; again, it's summer. Who thinks deep thoughts in summer?!? Seriously, it's summer. Summer is when you forget about thinking and anything intelligent, right? Ok, ok, fine, I'm just lazy:) And also, after a while, if all I say is that I've been gardening and mowing grass, people are going to start getting really bored, as am I!
This past week, my sister Dorcas came up for a week. I did manage to get a couple pics of the kids:) Luckily, I didn't take any sister pics or anything.
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I helped out with VBS this past week, and Nick and Ali came with me a couple nights. The one evening we stopped at the park to ride the seesaws on the way home. It was fun, and Nick found a frog, which he was quite proud of! He carefully took the frog from the road to the river, to make sure that he would be ok:)
We did, of course, go to see fireworks!
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| Candy Bandits |
These poor GA kids had never been to a real parade before. So, we took them to our firemen's parade. Dorcas asked me if grocery bags for candy was a little excessive, she understood once the parade got started. The kids made out like bandits with all the candy, as their grocery bags and faces clearly show. And, just to clarify, Dorcas gave about half a bag of candy away at the parade, so, even with Dorcas' generosity, the kids will still have candy to munch on for weeks to come!!
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| Road Trippin' |
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| Brooks was relieved to not be in the car anymore! |
We had a family gathering in PA, it was a larger one than usual. So there were lots of cousins to catch up with and the weekend was quite enjoyable. We played volleyball, softball and had lots of time for conversation as well. All my immediate family came out to the reunion this time, so it was nice to see everyone:)
My Uncle David lost his long battle against cancer this past week. His memorial service coincided with our family reunion in PA, so we traveled to PA bright and early Friday morning (getting up at 4 is never, ever fun). The memorial service was a wonderful tribute to my uncle's life of service. And at the reunion, there was a time of sharing about Uncle David's life. There were some tears, and much laughter! Of course, any prayers for the family are deeply appreciated!
While at the service, there was a clear theme. Uncle David was a Godly man, who spent his life giving to others. Everything he did pointed to God. His life was a testament. I couldn't help but ask if it had been me, in place of him, what would people say? Would people know that I am a Christian? Does my life really reflect God? Have I done anything of worth? How can I live my life so that when I die, people can look at my life as an example? As one of the speakers said, (I'm summarizing) my uncle not only showed us how to live, but he also showed us how to die. This is so true. He truly was an inspiration to any one who met him!
Question for You:
- Do you have relatives who inspire you? Why? What is it about them?
- Do you enjoy extended family reunions, meaning family outside your siblings?
My dad and Uncle Jay are my heroes. They are magnificently human with flaws and strengths alike, but two of the most truly great men I ever hope to meet. They have faced their personal Gethsemane's, as we all must at some point, and chosen to become better rather than bitter. They mirror God to others and change lives with a love and patience I stand in awe of. Superman has their posters on his den wall. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy Great-Aunt Virginia is one that inspires me. She was a true example of how to live a Christian life. She taught me so much growing up. I have the best memories of her. Then there is my Grandpa Rittenour who was my hero. He was always there for me growing up. He was so wise. I loved to hear his stories of growing up in an old older mennonite family. I believe to God has a special place in heaven for the two of them.
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