Passing the baton...

I have been obsessed with watching the Olympics. I take such pride in our Country and appreciate those athletes who train and represent our great Nation. I was definitely a Michael Phelps fan - he's from MD. I think I watched almost around the clock. Pastor Mike preached this past Sunday on Passing the baton. He talked about the Americans (both male & female) dropping the baton in the 4x100 relay race. I saw the races and it was devastating to think these athletes trained so hard and then failed to pass the baton. I was very proud of the girl who ran back, picked up the baton, and finished the race. Pastor Mike talked about us passing the baton onto others. Are we sharing Jesus like we should? Are we sharing Him with our children, our grandchildren, our friends...? I challenge you to pass the baton onto your family, friends, anyone you meet. In Philippians 3: 14 it says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God is all up in this place!

Pastor Mike begins our prayer service with scripture and prayer; then we go to one of the sessions. John and I went to the pray through scripture session. There is always several different sessions in addition to the one we attended tonight: pray in the sanctuary with music playing, pray outside, pray with the Pastor, and pray in the quiet room. We come together again around 7:50 PM and sing a couple songs and join hands and pray a closing prayer. The theme for today was praying for the sick and the lost. Tonight was so special - I could feel God's loving arm around me during the closing. It was so awesome, I can't even explain it. The presence of God was so real you felt it without a doubt. We didn't want to leave. After the service, John Woodruff (one of my young friends) hugged me and said "the outdoor group lifted you up in our prayers tonight." How marvelous, how amazing, how loving that the group of younger people in our church prayed for me tonight by name. It brings tears to my eyes even now as I write this. There is nothing like the love of a family...

Prayer Week

We are having Prayer Week at church. I've had sinusitis and haven't been except for Monday night. We prayed for our Nation - and we need it so with the elections coming up. With the recent weekend at the beach, sitting in the sanctuary praying while music played in the background, my daily devotions and prayer time, I've had the recurring thought of the song "Then Sings My Soul." "Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art..." Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf0vJiyeLIo to hear it. It's one of my favorite songs to play. To me that's what worship is all about - my soul communing with God. Since I love music, it is a vital part of my worship experience. God is so great, so awesome, so powerful, and so loving. Why do we even fret about anything, He is in control. We just need to rest in His arms, relax, and follow His lead. May I be able to do that every day of my life with my soul singing His praises.

The beach

We just got back from a long weekend in Virginia Beach. It was awesome. Got to see my sister, Dina, which was wonderful. Her hubby, Steve, is off training to drive a big rig. Julie & Cliff went with us. We stayed at a hotel right on the beach. Woke up and went to sleep each night to the wonders of God. There is something very relaxing about the sounds of the waves. Julie did a drawing for a "chalk the walk" event on the cement boardwalk. I might be bragging, but I think she did a great job! She drew "I Dream of Jeannie" pic. We had a blast and were grateful for the relaxing time away.

4th of July weekend

We had a family picnic on Sunday, the 6th of July. We went to Urbana Park and roasted hot dogs. Scott did the grilling and the tables were full of baked beans, pasta salad, potato salad, bowl of mixed fruit, my Mom's great iced tea, lemonade, water, and cokes. For dessert, we had a brownie surprise made and decorated by Chris. Round cookie sheet with brownie, layer of cream cheese filling, banana, strawberries, and a drizzling of chocolate. I could eat one right now. We played in the parking lot - bouncing balls, playing keep away, throwing frizbees (one died - literally cracked up from our playing), and I gave scooter rides to Abby and Stephanie. Chris said I was the biggest kid of all - which I took as a compliment. There are city folks and country folks - we definitely consider ourselves country folks. Chris said city folks come to the park to play in the grass and country folks come to the park to play in the parking lot. After we packed up, we were still standing in the parking lot. Our kids decided we needed to do this at least once a month. So we're looking at August to return to the park. It was a great day of family and fun. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks God for giving us the gift of family.

Time with Scott's girls

We watched Scott's girls - Destiny, Jessica, and Katelyn on Thursday and part of Friday. We had a blast. We made a peach cake and had a marshmallow roast on Friday night. (Julie & Cliff came over to help initiate the new fire pit their gift to John for his birthday.) We talked, laughed, shopped, baked, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It is always good to catch up on what kids are thinking these days. We made some wonderful memories. Have I told you lately how awesome my grandbabies are?

Today is John's birthday

Today is my honey's birthday. He's 56 chronologically, but he says he feels he's in his early 30s. Since I only feel around 28-32, works for me. We had a delightful day. Took a break from our regular breakfast routine, and each had a Dunkin' Donut - oh, so good. I gave him an outfit to wear today. Hung out at home, ran a few errands, and then went to supper at Red Lobster. Going to watch some TV, maybe a movie, and give him the rest of his presents. He's the best! Happy Birthday, honey - I love ya.