I love my church

I know, bloggie overload... just couldn't help it today.

I just love my church so much. This morning was no exception. I love the people. I love to worship corporately from the heart. God has blessed me. Part of what made this morning wonderful is that it was a combined service so we get everyone together at one time. I get to see everyone! Here are a few of my favorite moments.

Jen, Jane, and I had a good laugh when I dropped my food for the recpetion before church. Normally I like to make things from scratch and don't even use microwaves, but I decided to bring a Trader Joes spinach artichoke dip to microwave with pumpkin tortilla chips. I was asking if one of them could heat it for me (it is frozen) since I had altar guild and would be a few minutes. Jen broke it to me, "we don't have a microwave." Ha! Oh well. We ended up thawing it and using it anyway.

I was walking down the aisle before church and leaned down to greet Mr. Matthews who kissed me on the cheek (a handful of the men will kiss my cheek in greeting and I think it is so sweet). When I passed Tom who likes to tease me, he said, "hey, no kissing in church" and continued his conversation with whoever he was talking to. So, I patted his shoulder and said, "It's in the Bible." He knows the Bible very well (He is a Gideon) and later said, "oh, you mean, greet one another with a holy kiss." Yep!

After the peace the Senior Warden was ready to give announcements and it was hard to get everyone back in their seats. We are a friendly and lively bunch! I looked at my friend, Lynnette, and put my fingers in my mouth on both sides and motioned like I was going to whistle. We laughed and she joking but serious egged me on, "I dare you to." I said, "I wish I COULD!" Then, Tom walked by and gave me the pointed fingers from me to his eyes and back like, "Hey, I'm watching you."

I'm sure I could go on and on and honestly, I think you had to be there for all of that. But, I do love our church and am so thankful for God's many blessings.

Pumpkin Hill

One of things I was looking forward to in moving out this way was getting to live several miles from a preserve. I have a long ways to go in mastering what it has to offer, but glad to have set foot out at least. I would like to ride (think horse) out there sometime but would need to be with an experienced rider and a nice horse (they know when you don't know what you are doing). I would especially love to kayak there if the waterway is what I have in mind. I was really hoping to make it out to the water, but just couldn't find the way. As you know, I was eaten up by mosquitos so hopefully next time it will be cooler out and mosquito free. I will be wearing longer pants and bring some bug spray. It is such a large area to cover if you don't know what you are doing. I wonder if you can ask the park officer to drive you around (ok, probably not) or if they ever do tours. He didn't offer one when I was asking questions about the trails. But, maybe I will ask sometime. It would be so helpful to ride around in a truck and cover so much more territory. Today, this is all I got...

Strength to Strength

You go before me making the way I walk ready for me. You give me courage when I am afraid. Strength when I am tired and life is too much.

You give me friends when you send me out alone. You help me to stay awake when a mother is in labor or a friend is in need or to intercede. You give me good sleep to renew me.

You give cool breezes, sunshine, chirping birds, rainbows, beauty all around.

When I was discouraged you gave me courage. Your strong hand held me up. Your powerful voice spoke forth Your plans. No one can stand against You.

There are no closed doors unless you close them.

When I called out to you for courage, You answered. You spoke Your word over my defeat, flattening the enemy so that I moved forward. My heart worships You.

You are good to me. Good to all. You are careful with my heart. You have good things for me.

I can't thank You enough.

A modern day Psalm in response to a thankful heart for His many mercies and provisions Written 10/06/15