Signed, Sealed and Delivered, I'm Yours

When I listen to the song “Signed, Sealed and Delivered, I'm Yours” by Stevie Wonder, it makes me smile.  I appreciate the song’s lyrics, the background singers, and of course Stevie Wonder’s amazing voice.  I was reminded of this song last week when I reading a devotional, from Charles Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening . check it here : spurgeon   

Here is a portion from that reading:  “The Lord’s people delight in the covenant.  It is an unfailing source of consolation to them as the Holy Spirit leads them into His banqueting house and waves His banner of love.   They delight to contemplate the antiquity of that covenant, remembering that before the planets ran their round, the interest of the saints were made secure in Christ Jesus.  It is peculiarly pleasing to them to remember the sureness of the covenant.  They delight to celebrate it as signed, sealed, and ratified in all things.  It makes their heart dilate with joy to think of its immutability as a covenant which neither time nor eternity, life or death will ever be able to violate…“

I treasure the reality that I am His. 

Ordinary things of life

“We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for other beautiful attractions in  life -  those are simply made to be moments of inspiration.  We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength. “

Oswald Chambers

Sundays

Most Sundays are a perfect mix of activity and rest for me.  Sleeping late on Sunday morning is not an  option for me.    Arriving at church at 7:55, we slip into our seats before the beginning of service.  Teaching Sunday School class at 9:45 requires that I keep a balance of smiling and wiggling down crowded  hallways to be on time in the classroom.


In the afternoon, it is all about rest and relaxation.  I love Sunday afternoon naps. No work today. 
  

One last glance of anniversary week

All the details of the wedding day:  processional, hymns, prayers, scripture readings, exchanging vows, and presentation of the husband and wife…then the reception

Cousins Je'Neane and Michelle

Cards, Diet Root Beer, and Flowers

It has been long day.
Up @ 6:00 a.m. Devotions
Exercising @ 6:30
Shower @ 7:00
Tire Place @ 7:35  ~ $75.00  for a new tire  :(
Laundry @ 8:30
Regis Hair Appointment @ 10:30
Lunch @ 1:00
Laundry
Dinner @ Merrick Inn 6:30
Deliver Mary Kay Product @ 8:30
Anniversary Gifts...cards... diet root beer... and flowers...
Thanking God for another day.

Anniversary

“Marriage is the golden ring in a chain

whose beginning is a glance and

whose ending is in eternity. “

Kahil Gibran

Father of the bride

Mother of the bride

Bride and Groom

Rehearsal Dinner

According to Wikipedia, “the rehearsal dinner is a pre – wedding ceremony in North American tradition held after the wedding rehearsal and the night before the wedding ceremony.”  In most cases, the costs the dinner are incurred by the groom’s family.   The dinner provides an opportunity for wedding party, friends, and relatives to relax before the big day.

 I cannot recall one single item from the menu from our rehearsal dinner.  While I may not remember any details from the night, I know that everything ran smoothly. Why?  Because, that is how Sene, Aunt Suzie Mae and Aunt Sarah would handle the details. Those sisters could cook.

Traveling all the way from Mississippi, Jerry’s aunts shopped, prepared, and cooked the entire rehearsal dinner.  What do I remember?  It happened with such quiet grace.    

The Lord

"The Lord asks only two things of us:
Love for (God) and love for our neighbor...
We cannot be sure if we are loving God...
but we can know quite well if we are loving our neighbor."
Teresa of Avilas

Tish, Cindy, Debbie, and Jennifer

Part of our Wedding Party: 
My bridesmaids... they loved me and stood my me...
Wondering, what happened to those dresses?

A week of favorites

 Favorite memories as we celebrate a wedding anniversary this week.

Here are my nieces, Nan and Dawn flower girls at my wedding.

"Nieces are children that we borrow,
Intending not to raise but merely love,
Ever watchful from our open window.
Caring deeply at a slight remove,
Everywhere you go, my love will follow
Still part of you wherever you may live."
Asker

Today, Nan is the mother of two boys and one girl. She works in the medical field.
Dawn is the mother of two girls and one boy.  She is a Second Grade Teacher in Indianapolis Public Schools.

Fun, Fishing, and Sunday School School Fellowship

Here, the twins sit quietly for a moment.  Getting ready to head out to the Sunday School fellowship. 

Sunday School teachers... me and Cynthia

ah, cool...Cynthia and her husband opened their home for today's fellowship

Father and son... see dad holding the fish

 Check out the  cool princess fishing pole.

 Parents take time to visit

Luke and Logan

Two-year-old twins Luke and Logan will visit our home this afternoon.  A couple of months ago, we visited their home. They sprayed Jerry with a water hose.  As we were relaxing outside, one twin locked us out of the house.  I am looking forward to some fun this afternoon.

Lunch at Nick Ryan's Saloon

Lunch crowd has disappeared... perfect place for conversation

A lovely day for lunch on the patio

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Growing up, I could tell some whoppers.  Looking back, I am still embarrassed by some of my outlandish lies. I still remember with a sense of shame when a fib was uncovered.  Why did I lie?  Pride. I don’t know any other reasons. Half-truths were often masquerading as the whole truth. A desire to be something more…

In my mind, my identity and worth was determined by material possessions, family position and our status in the community.  I grew up thinking I was poor.  How is that possible?  In reality, both of my parents worked full time jobs. We lived in a modest three-bedroom home.  Regardless of the motivation, I simply did not always tell the truth.  Looking back, I call these my BC days. Before Christ.

Today, I live in the reality of my faith in Christ.  Walking in the truth …

I admit, sometimes I don’t want to hear the truth.  I sometimes have some crazy thinking that by not hearing the truth will somehow create a different reality.   I postpone going to the doctor…. I don’t want to hear a back report.  I reschedule annual physicals… I don’t want to hear the truth…  as if by not hearing the truth will change it…

This week, I have heard a phrase that has been repeated every night, “ Am I right about it? Or, “Tell the truth”… Dr. Croston was the speaker at our church this week…  sharing hard truths…challenging… inspiring… dealing with wounds, scars, temptations…

One of my favorite movie scenes is from A Few Good Men with Jack Nicholson, in one scene he says, You Can’t Handle The Truth.”  You know how it ends, the truth is told. In reality, yes the truth is difficult, dealing with family secrets, wounds, abuse, and sin. God can give us the grace to know the truth and change.

Art in Omaha...

One of my favorite museums is the Joslyn Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Visiting this museum is always on my list of this to do when I visit the city.  During this summer’s visit, I saw the exhibit: Joslyn Treasures Well Traveled and Rarely Seen.  Standing in the museum, I would often linger and reflect on a particular piece of art. Under each work of art, there was a detailed narrative of the travels of each piece.

Another new must see if you visit Omaha, is the Peerless Art Gallery.  “Peerless is an art gallery and project worksite.  The worksite is devoted to artist excellence via collaborative thought and creative action. Much of the exhibited work in made on-site.”   Read more about the gallery  here News article What an exciting place to visit…Take a peek here:

 Peerless.   When you are in Omaha, visit this unique gallery. 

Daphne and  Caleb  ~ Artists and Owners

The Crushed Violet ~ Fragrance Boutique

 Today we celebrated Becky’s Birthday at Merrick Inn.  

  

The Crushed Violet ~ Birthday favors for guests 

Blackberry Cobbler

Are you looking for a delicious recipe for Blackberry Cobbler?  I suggest you try the recipe that won the grand prize in Betty Crocker's Recipe for the Soul contest. "  Google, Blackberry Cobbler... and scroll down until you find the Betty Crocker link.  This recipe has received over 150 reviews and five spoons.  I think you will like the recipe.  Hopefully, you will be able to find blackberries at your local farmer's market.  Yum, my husband and son gave positive reviews on this dessert.

Nancy's Surprise Birthday Party !

Birthday food

Lance, Becky, Carolyn, Nancy and Tom

Liz, Jacqueline & JoAnn

Home is...

Indiana has been home for both sides of my family for five generations.  My Indiana roots run deep. Moving to Michigan in 1985 was a bit difficult for me. Back then, Facebook and email accounts were not yet invented.  I was comforted by frequent phone calls to family.  If I remember correctly, I think I made daily calls to my parents.  

Today, I stay connected with family and friends via phone, text messages, email, and Facebook.  Today, I was able to see a bit of Brooklyn’s (my great niece) first day at kindergarten.  Pictures of Brooklyn and Chelsie at the bus stop melted my heart.  Then, I saw, Brooklyn, sitting in her first classroom. In other pictures, I saw Chelsie smiling in her classroom.    I don’t play games on Facebook. I stay connected with family. This is why I joined Facebook.   “ Back Home Again in Indiana.”